Bangkalan – Universitas Trunojoyo Madura (UTM) is one of the universities that will host a book launch for Prof. Ismail Fajrie Alatas entitled "What Is Religious Authority: Menyemai Sunnah, Merangkai Jamaah?".
The book launch and guest lecture with Prof. Ismail Fajrie Alatas took place in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FISIB) UTM, on Wednesday (28/2/2024
Professor Ismail Fajrie Alatas is a Professor of Anthropology at New York University in the United States. Professor Alatas is actively engaged in writing numerous scholarly articles and books. His visit to Universitas Trunojoyo Madura was initiated by the Center for Social Science Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FISIB) at UTM and the Institute for Human Resource Research and Development (Lakpesdam) PBNU.
The event was attended by the Rector of UTM, Dr. Safi', S.H, M.H, the Dean of FISIB, Dr. Dinara Maya Julijannti, M.Si, the Vice Deans, the Heads of Study Centers, and Lecturers, as well as representatives of Bentang Pustaka Book Publishers.
In his speech, UTM Rector Dr. Safi' emphasized that it is high time for religious people in Indonesia to learn how to practice their religion in the right way. Safi' added that there are now many cases of religious practices that are not in accordance with the goals and intentions of religion itself.
To that end, Safi' said, the presence of Prof. Habib Ajie, as Prof. Ismail Fajrie Alatas is affectionately known, is considered important to share with UTM lecturers and students.
"Here we are welcoming a figure who is competent in his knowledge and has a wealth of experience interacting with diverse religious communities around the world," Safi' said.
Safi' explained that Prof. Ismail Fajrie Alatas was born in Indonesia. He then went on to study in Singapore and Australia.
He is also a descendant of the Habaib. Of course, in terms of religious knowledge and practice, he is competent,” said Safi’
Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FISIB) also expressed her appreciation for the event.
"I am delighted that FISIB was chosen as one of the stops on Prof. Ismail Fajrie Alatas' roadshow. Especially considering that he will be returning to America in August,” she said
In addition, Dinara also expressed her hope that the presence of Bentang Pustaka Publishing House as a sponsor of the event could also lead to a collaboration with FISIB UTM.
"We are also delighted to have Bentang Pustaka Publishing House here with us. We hope to establish a collaboration in the future, especially with the writers among our lecturers, to contribute to our future endeavors,” she concluded
Moch. Imron Rosyidi., M.Sc., Head of the Center for Social and Cultural Studies at FISIB UTM, stated that this event is a manifestation of the development of an academic atmosphere by bringing world-class professors to UTM.
"The presence of Prof. Ajie is a blessing for all of us and adds a positive academic atmosphere to UTM," said Imron.
The event concluded with a Q&A session involving both faculty members and students. More than 100 participants were recorded to be present in the faculty room, which is known for its orange color.