Islamism in Southeast Asia: Insights from the Roundtable Seminar at ISEAS

SINGAPORE, UIII.AC.ID - The Faculty of Islamic Studies at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) actively engaged in the roundtable seminar held at the ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore on November 30, 2023. This seminar, aptly named ‘Roundtable on Contemporary Islamism in Maritime Southeast Asia’, epitomized a collaborative effort between UIII's Faculty of Islamic Studies and ISEAS, drawing the participation of esteemed scholars and experts from renowned institutions.

The primary focus of this collective assembly was to intricately explore and engage in pivotal discussions on the dynamic evolution of Islamism within the region. The seminar meticulously observed and dissected prevalent trends across Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore.

This comprehensive examination illuminated the nuanced expressions of Islamism and conservatism within the diverse tapestry of Muslim communities. Distinguished speakers and experts brought invaluable expertise and perspectives to the seminar, significantly enhancing the discussions.

Professor Noorhaidi Hasan, the Dean of UIII's Faculty of Islamic Studies, shared profound insights on Salafism, Islamic radicalism, identity politics, religious diversity, and youth, contributing significantly to the discourse.

Meanwhile, Dr. Azhar Ibrahim, a senior lecturer at the Department of Malay Studies, National University of Singapore, offered valuable perspectives on Malay-Indonesian literature, ideologies of development, sociology of literature, and Islamic thought, enriching the multifaceted dialogue on Islamism in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, Ms. Afra Alatas, a research officer at the Regional Social and Cultural Studies Program, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, shed light on socio-religious and socio-political issues in Malaysia and Singapore, providing nuanced insights into the regional context.

The seminar also featured distinguished scholars such as Dr. Bhirawa Anoraga, specializing in digital Islam, Islamic economy, youth, and online movements, and Dr. Farid Saenong, who engaged in a research project on the "Global Politics of Moderate Islam: Indonesia, Egypt, and Morocco," enriching the discussions with their unique perspectives.

In the meantime, experts like Dr. Hanisah Abdullah Sani, specializing in comparative-historical and political sociology of religion, and Dr. Haula Noor, focusing on family and terrorism dynamics, added significant depth to the exploration of contemporary Islamism.

Moreover, the insights shared by Dr. Norshahril Saat, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of the Regional Social and Cultural Studies Programme at ISEAS, and Dr. Syafiq Hasyim, a lecturer and director of UIII’s Central Library, contributed multifaceted perspectives to the seminar discussions.

This hybrid seminar, accommodating both physical and virtual attendance, facilitated a diverse platform for scholars, academics, and experts to engage in critical dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of socio-religious and socio-political landscapes in Malaysia and Singapore, and Indonesia.

The seminar's results establish the groundwork for upcoming collaborative research initiatives, joint conferences, and the highly anticipated Husein Alatas memorial lecture in 2024, generously backed by the National University of Singapore (NUS).

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