SPs UIN Jakarta Building, SPs NEWS – A real step in knitting global harmony was once again shown by the Graduate School (SPs) of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. Through a warm academic atmosphere, SPs UIN Jakarta officially opened the Asia-Pacific Theological Encounter Program (APTEP) in the Theater room of the SPs UIN Jakarta Building on Wednesday (1/7/2026). This large-scale program is designed to be an inclusive meeting space to deepen Islamic studies while strengthening bridges of interfaith dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region.

A total of 23 participants from nine different countries gathered with one big mission: to break down barriers of prejudice and build mutual understanding. Over the next 12 days, participants from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds will immerse themselves in the richness of Islamic traditions, especially in the context of Indonesia, which is known for its moderate and tolerant nature.

The Director of the Graduate School of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, explained that the first day was deliberately focused on welcoming and orientation sessions. This initial session is crucial as a means of melting the atmosphere and building emotional closeness between the participants. The familiarity that is built from an early age is expected to be able to create a more open and in-depth discussion space when the series of intensive lectures begins on Thursday (2/7/2026).

To provide a complete understanding, SPs UIN Jakarta has prepared a comprehensive discussion room. SPs lecturers of UIN Jakarta are ready to share their knowledge. Starting from Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA who will review Islamic Sufism in Indonesia, to Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, MA with interesting material entitled One Islam/Quran, Many Interpretations. Contextual issues such as the dynamics of Islamic relations between Indonesia and the Middle East will also be dissected by Hamdani, M.Ag, Ph.D.

No less important, the participants will also be invited to dive into legal material and the history of interreligious relations. Prof. Dr. JM Muslimin, MA will present the material Islamic Legal Thought on Non Muslims, followed by Dr. Fuad Jabali, MA who explores the historical relationship between the Prophet Muhammad SAW and the Christian and Jewish communities. In addition, the face of modern Islam will also be presented by Prof. Dr. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D about the world of Islamic boarding schools which is now side by side with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Prof. Amelia Fauzia, Ph.D who highlights the role of women in Islamic philanthropy.

Interestingly, one of the important introductions regarding the flexibility of Islamic law was delivered directly by Prof. Dr. JM. Muslimin, MA. He took a simple example but often triggers questions, namely the law of shaking hands between men and women. He uses this daily issue to show how rich the space of ijtihad is among scholars, where some prohibit it but others allow it under certain conditions depending on the perspective used.

"Perspective in seeing Islamic law, like some questions today, why are people not shaking hands between male and female, so this is a disputed aspect of Islam... so we may conclude that our program will be introducing the interdisciplinary perspective of Islam," said Prof. JM Muslimin, emphasizing that differences of views are the richness of Islamic scientific traditions.

High enthusiasm emanated from one of the participants, Abel Ogona. The Kenyan student who is currently studying in Manila admitted that he was very excited to take part in APTEP 2026. For him, the experience of interacting with the Muslim community in the past has sparked a great curiosity to understand Islam more authentically and scientifically.

"I want to know more about Islam and prepare for interfaith dialogue. Having lived and interacted with Muslims, I felt I needed more in-depth knowledge to be able to build meaningful conversations and understand how Christianity and Islam are interconnected," Abel said hopefully.

A deep impression also came from the local participant, Sister Fernanda Sebe. Growing up in a family with Catholic and Islamic backgrounds made her feel very grateful to be in this program. Meeting with colleagues and teachers from different parts of the world became a valuable moment of reflection to support his religious devotion.

"How the hell are Muslims? So that I can also understand more deeply about Muslims, to meet Muslim brothers in my ministry, in my vocation as a religious. And also understand my brothers and sisters better," said Sister Fernanda with a warm smile.

This year's APTEP program was attended by participants from various countries, namely Vietnam, South Korea, Italy, the United States, Myanmar, the Philippines, Kenya, and the host Indonesia. Through this global collaboration, SPs UIN Jakarta has reaffirmed its position as a mecca of inclusive and transformative moderate Islamic studies on the international stage. (Khoirillah/Zaenal M./Fajri Nafisa/Jay A)