Auditorium Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS: The Graduate School of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta held the 2757th Master's Thesis Exam in the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, on Thursday, April 24, 2025 with candidate Bagus Fawaid.

Bagus Fawaid is a student of the Master of Islamic Studies study program with a concentration in International Relations. He wrote a thesis entitled "The Response of the Nahdlatul Ulama Elite to the Discourse on the Normalization of Indonesia-Israel Diplomatic Relations through the Abraham Accords"

This research is a qualitative research that highlights the significant diversity of views among the elites of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, regarding the discourse on normalizing diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Israel through the framework of the Abraham Accords. NU has consistently supported Palestinian independence and rejected any form of normalization with Israel as long as the occupation is still ongoing.

The research, which involved in-depth interviews with six NU elites and the analysis of various written documents, found an interesting spectrum of perspectives. Regarding the claims of the success of the Abraham Accords in the Middle East, NU elites are divided between a pessimistic view of the positive impact of the agreement and a more optimistic view but with a number of notes and limitations.

Furthermore, this study identifies three spectrums of views among NU elites related to the discourse on normalizing Indonesia-Israel relations. The first group chose to maintain the status quo, with a firm rejection of normalization as long as the Palestinian issue remained unresolved. The second group adopted a constructive approach, not explicitly rejecting or supporting normalization, but emphasizing the importance of dialogue and positive interaction, including with Israel. Meanwhile, a third group openly supports the opening of diplomatic relations, believing that this move will bring significant benefits to Indonesia's humanitarian agenda and national interests.

The most interesting finding of this study is the disparity between the formal attitude of the NU organization that rejects normalization and the diversity of personal views among its internal elites. This research shows that although NU as an organization has a clear policy line, its leaders do not always have monolithic views, especially on sensitive issues such as relations with Israel. This reflects the values of an organization that respects differences of opinion within its internal affairs.

This research is in line with a previous study conducted by Zawawi, Omar, and Ahmad (2024) which found that there is a polarization of opinions related to the Abraham Accords in various countries. The study also highlights strong opposition from Islamic movements and religious elites, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, who consider the normalization agreement to be a violation of the law and contrary to national interests.

The implications of this finding are quite significant. Although the NU's formal stance on normalization with Israel remains firm, the diversity of views among the elite shows complex internal dynamics. This opens up space for more in-depth discussions and debates within the organization regarding this highly sensitive issue, as well as the potential for future perspective shifts as geopolitics evolves in the Middle East region.

Overall, this study provides an overview of the response of the NU elite to the discourse on normalizing Indonesia-Israel relations. Instead of a monolithic single view, this study reveals a diverse spectrum of perspectives, reflecting the complexity of the Palestinian issue and its impact on politics and religious views in Indonesia.

Bagus Fawaid successfully defended his thesis under the guidance of Mutiara Pertiwi, MA, Ph.D and Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Yusuf Rahman, MA, Mutiara Pertiwi, MA, Ph.D, Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D, Ahmad Abrori, M.Si, Ph.D and Dr. Muhamad Adian Firnas, M.Si.

After paying attention to the thesis writing, the comments of the examiner team and the candidate's answers, the examiner team determined that Bagus Fawaid graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory. Bagus Fawaid is the 2757th master in the field of Islamic Studies, in the master's program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.(JA)