Time for Decentering Islamic Education to Indonesia

Depok, November 26, 2024 – The UIII Faculty of Education hosted a thought-provoking LunchTalk #35 series featuring Andar Nubowo, Ph.D, a distinguished lecturer at the faculty and executive director of Ma’arif Institute. His presentation, delved into the socio-historical dynamics of Islamic education and proposed a compelling vision for “decentering Islamic education” toward Indonesia.

Dr. Nubowo’s presentation began with the historical transmission of Islamic knowledge from the Middle East to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. Historically, Mecca, Medina, and Cairo have served as the epicenters of Islamic learning since the 17th century, attracting Indonesian students (commonly referred to as Jawi Muslims) who later returned to Nusantara to disseminate their knowledge. 

While this relationship enriched Indonesian Islamic education, it also led to a “center-periphery” dynamic, where the Middle East was perceived as the authoritative center, while Indonesia holds a peripheral role. This hierarchy often dismissed Indonesian contributions as heterodox or syncretic. “The intellectual legacy of Indonesian Muslims, despite its richness and diversity, has historically been overshadowed by an Arab-centric vision of Islam,” Dr. Nubowo noted. 

Hence, he advocated for a shift in this narrative through what he termed the “decentering of Islamic education.” This approach recognizes Indonesia not merely as a recipient of Islamic knowledge but as a dynamic contributor to the global discourse. He highlighted how Indonesian scholars, institutions, and traditions can serve as a model for modern, pluralistic Islamic education. Initiatives such as establishing international Islamic universities and schools in Indonesia, which integrate both traditional Islamic studies and contemporary global perspectives, are key to this vision. 

Indonesia, he said, has already begun this process through reformist movements and modern Islamic educational institutions. Dr. Nubowo discussed the early 20th-century rise of reformist organizations like Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, which blended classical Islamic teachings with modern sciences. These movements laid the groundwork for Indonesia to claim its place as a progressive hub for Islamic education.  

“Since 2000s, the two guardians of Indonesian moderate Islam (Muhammadiyah and NU) have established networks of ambassadors of Indonesian Islam in Europe, Africa, Asia, America, and Australia,” he said, adding that the government’s initiative to establish UIII—arguably the first international Islamic university in Indonesia—also serves as the evidence for this development. 

In conclusion, Dr. Andar called for a renewed awareness among Indonesian Muslim leaders, scholars, and policymakers to embrace the “decentering” project. “In that sense, we should consider this global initiative and consciousness in advancing knowledge, sciences, and technology, invaluable for the betterment of global society,” he said. 

The lunch talk sparked engaging discussions among attendees, who reflected on how UIII and other institutions could champion this paradigm shift. By positioning itself as a leader in Islamic education, Indonesia has the potential to reshape the global Islamic intellectual landscape, moving beyond the confines of the traditional center-periphery model.This event underscores UIII’s commitment to fostering critical discussions and leading initiatives that redefine the future of Islamic education in Indonesia and beyond. 

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