Auditorium of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS - The Graduate School (SPs) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 2796th Thesis Exam at the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Thursday, January 22, 2026 with candidate Al Mudzil.

Al Mudzil is a student of the Master of Islamic Studies program with a concentration in Anthropology and Sociology of Religion. His thesis is entitled "Islamic Negotiation and Maritime Culture in the Maccera Tasi Tradition (Case Study of the Luwu Community, South Sulawesi)".

This research was born from the author's interest in how the universal values of Islam are closely intertwined with the local wisdom of coastal communities in South Sulawesi which are very rich in ancestral traditions.

The main focus of this study is to investigate the relationship between Islam and maritime culture in  the Maccera Tasi ritual. Al Mudzil dissects how the process of manifestation of Islamic interaction is displayed in the tradition, as well as explores its symbolic meaning and function for the cultural system of the maritime community in Luwu.

This research uses a qualitative method based on field studies. Al Mudzil relies on primary data sources through direct observation, document studies, and in-depth interviews with traditional and religious leaders. Meanwhile, relevant literature is used as secondary data to strengthen the analysis.

Theoretically, this research uses an anthropological approach based on Talal Asad's Islamic discursive theory. This approach allows researchers to see Islam not as just a rigid dogma, but as a discursive tradition that constantly negotiates with the historical and cultural context in which it is located.

Field findings show that the Islamic adaptation in the Maccera Tasi  tradition looks very real. This is manifested through the use of the azan as a ritual opener, symbolic changes in the form of offerings to be in accordance with the sharia, the application of monotheistic prayers, and the strengthening of monotheistic principles in each procession.

One of the interesting findings is the ecological value reflected in the symbolism of Sokko' Four Forms. This symbol symbolizes the inseparable harmony between humans, the natural environment, and the Creator. In addition, aesthetic aspects such as the Pajaga Bone Balla  dance are present as a means of spiritual contemplation for the local community.

Al Mudzil also explained other symbolic details, such as the presence of young girls as a symbol of purity, the tower of Ance as the center of cosmic ceremonies, to the release of the Tiko-tiko fish. The ritual of offering the buffalo head is also reinterpreted as a form of collective gratitude to God for the abundant marine products.

Sociologically,  the Maccera Tasi  tradition has proven to function not only as a spiritual expression, but also as a social mechanism. This tradition is effective in easing conflicts between citizens and encouraging collective awareness to maintain the sustainability of marine ecology from damage.

In his argument, Al Mudzil emphasized that the study of the interaction between Islam and maritime culture in Indonesia still needs to be deepened. This research proves that local cultural agents are able to combine Islamic elements with the heritage of past religious figures, creating a plurality of Islamic orthodoxy that is firmly embedded in local wisdom.

This thesis emphasizes that Islam is not a monolithic single entity, but rather a plural phenomenon that is able to absorb culture through the mechanism of reception and negotiation. These findings also reinforce previous research that states that Islam and maritime culture have a close relationship that is dynamic and mutually enriching.

Al Mudzil successfully defended his thesis under the guidance of Hamdani, M.Ag, Ph.D, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, MA, Hamdani, M.Ag, Ph.D, Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D, Farid F. Saenong, Ph.D.

After paying attention to the thesis writing, the comments of the examiner team and the candidate's answers, the examiner team determined that Al Mudzil graduated with the predicate of Very Satisfactory. Al Mudzil is the 2796th Master in the field of Islamic Studies, in the Master's program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)