Auditorium of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS: The Graduate School of the State Islamic University (SPs UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 1640th Doctoral Promotion Exam in the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Thursday, August 14, 2025 with promovendus Muhamad Zarkasih.

Muhamad Zarkasih is a student of the Doctoral program in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Islam and International Relations. Zarkasih wrote a dissertation entitled "Response of Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah to Indonesia's National Security Policy in Eradicating Terrorism ".

His dissertation shows the significant role of the two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia in balancing repressive state policies with the values of humanity and justice.

This dissertation highlights how Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah respond to the national policy of eradicating terrorism from various aspects, ranging from ideological, social, to juridical ones. With a qualitative-descriptive approach and case study design, Zarkasih deeply analyzes the dynamics of the relationship between government and civil society in this sensitive issue.

Through in-depth interviews with CSOs, observations, and documentation studies, this study collects comprehensive data. Important documents such as statements, fatwas, and programs of both organizations became the main cornerstone for understanding their positions. Zarkasih observed how NU and Muhammadiyah not only reacted, but were also proactive in shaping a narrative that was different from the conventional security approach.

The findings of this study reveal that while counter-terrorism policies in Indonesia have shifted from a repressive approach to a preventive approach, there are still a number of serious challenges in its implementation. Zarkasih highlighted several problems, such as the use of intelligence information as evidence that is not yet transparent, the arrest process is less accountable, and potential human rights violations.

In facing these challenges, NU and Muhammadiyah did not remain silent. This study notes that these two organizations are actively building a moderate Islamic narrative through various channels. They use education, da'wah, and community-based deradicalization programs to stem the spread of extreme ideologies. This effort shows their strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of the nation.

In addition, their contribution also extends to the global stage. These two organizations play an active role in global diplomacy through interfaith dialogue and international cooperation. Through these efforts, they not only protect the people in the country, but also become a representative of the peaceful and tolerant face of Indonesian Islam in the eyes of the world, as well as helping to stem radicalism globally.

This dissertation expressly supports the theory of civil society initiated by Jurgen Habermas. This theory places civil society as a critical balance between state power and citizen freedom. Zarkasih argued that NU and Muhammadiyah are real examples of the power of constructive civil society, which is able to maintain justice and democracy within the framework of national security policy.

Instead, this study rejects the realist security theory developed by Kenneth Waltz. This theory tends to justify the use of state violence for security reasons in the absence of public accountability. Thus, Zarkasih's findings confirm that the role of NU and Muhammadiyah is very crucial in ensuring that efforts to eradicate terrorism do not sacrifice human values, democracy, and justice.

Muhamad Zarkasih successfully defended his dissertation under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, Prof. Jajang Jahroni, 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. Zulkifli, MA, Prof. Jajang Jahroni, MA, Ph.D, Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.Ag, Ph.D, Prof. Dr. Yusron Razak, MA, Prof. Dr. Kamarusdiana, MH and Prof. Dr. Iik Arifin Mansurnoor,  MA.

After paying attention to the writing of the dissertation, the comments of the examiner team and the answers of the promovendus, the examiner team determined that Muhamad Zarkasih graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory. Muhamad Zarkasih is the 1640th Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies, in the doctoral program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)