State Islamic University (UIN) of Sunan Ampel Surabaya hosted a public lecture titled ‘Religious Moderation in Building a Progressive Society,’ delivered by Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, the former Indonesian Minister of Religion. This event successfully left in impressing postgraduate students, providing them with profound insights into the significance of religious moderation in the context of national and state life.
The public lecture held on May 31, 2023, was attended by hundreds of postgraduate students from various study programs at State Islamic University (UIN) of Sunan Ampel Surabaya. In his address, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin addressed crucial issues related to religious moderation and offered constructive solutions for building an inclusive and civilized society.
Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, who is known as a vocal figure in promoting religious moderation, shared his experience and knowledge in building tolerance and harmony between religious believers. He also underscored the crucial role that postgraduate students play in championing the values of religious moderation in society.
Prof. Masdar Hilmy, MA.,. Ph.D., the Postgraduate Director of UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, expressed his appreciation for Lukman Hakim Saifuddin’s presence in his speech and shared valuable insights about religious moderation.
“We are very grateful to Mr. Lukman Hakim Saifuddin for his contribution to inspiring our postgraduate students. This lecture is an important milestone in strengthening the spirit of religious moderation on this campus,” he said.
On this occasion, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin also conveyed religious moderation within the scope of sharia economics. According to him, religious moderation in the scope of sharia economics refers to a balanced and careful approach to apply Sharia economic principles in everyday life. This involves using economic resources wisely and ethically, as well as ensuring that economic benefits are obtained through means that comply with Islamic principles.
Postgraduate students at the State Islamic University (UIN) of Sunan Ampel Surabaya responded enthusiastically to this public lecture, stating that they felt inspired to become agents of change who fight for religious moderation in society.
With the success of this event, it is hoped that the spirit of religious moderation will continue to develop within the campus environment, creating a generation of intellectuals who uphold the values of tolerance and diversity to build a better society.
Authors: Mf and SKh