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 1641st Doctoral Promotion Exam in the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Friday, August 15, 2025 with Promovendus Muhammad Irfan Wahid.

Irfan is a student of the Doctoral program in Islamic Studies with a concentration in Anthropology and Sociology of Religion. Irfan wrote a dissertation entitled "The Construction of Oloh Salam (Islamic Dayak) Identity in Central Kalimantan".

This research explores in depth the process of forming and transforming the identity of Oloh Salam, a Dayak group that adheres to Islam. Using a qualitative approach, this dissertation combines perspectives from a variety of disciplines, including Islamic studies, anthropology, sociology, and history. Irfan, through his research, proved that identity is not a passive inheritance, but the result of continuous articulatory work.

Irfan highlighted two main misconceptions that have been developing in society. First, a view that considers Dayak identity to be intrinsically tied to a particular religion. Second, the assumption that Dayak identity is homogeneous. This research emphatically refutes both views, showing that diversity is a characteristic inherent in Dayak identity.

Using Joel S. Kahn's theory of cultural identity construction, Irfan examines how Oloh Salam dynamically negotiates, redefines, and defends their identities in the midst of social and political change. The identity of Oloh Salam is described as a hybrid construction, in which cultural and religious elements are not only combined, but also debated and transformed to be relevant to an ever-evolving reality.

This study collected data through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and analysis of historical documents. In-depth descriptions and sociological imagination are used to uncover the articulations at the micro and macro levels that continuously shape the identity of Oloh Salam. This provides a rich and profound picture of how an identity can survive and adapt.

The findings of the dissertation show that the identity of Oloh Salam is the result of articulate work influenced by various historical encounters. Contact with the Dutch colonial government, the Banjar Sultanate, and Christian missions became important factors that shaped their identity today. This reinforces the argument that identity is always linked to history and context.

Furthermore, Irfan also emphasized how Oloh Salam is actively involved in cultural and religious negotiations. They are able to strategically place themselves in inter-ethnic and inter-religious interactions. Their role in the post-conflict reconciliation between the Dayak and Madura communities is a clear testament to the agency's strong agency in articulating their identities.

Academically, this research makes a significant contribution by strengthening the constructivist perspective. Irfan points out that identity is fluid and constantly renegotiated. The novelty of this research lies in the emphasis on Oloh Salam's active efforts in constructing its identity in the interplay of context, history, and construction.

This dissertation differs from previous studies that tend to view ethnic and religious identity as passive constructs. By highlighting Oloh Salam's articulative work, this research contributes to a broader discussion of identity politics, multicultural negotiations, and social integration in Indonesia.

Muhammad Irfan Wahid successfully defended his dissertation under the guidance of Prof. Dr. M. Ikhsan Tanggok, M.Si; Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA; Prof. Ismatu Ropi, MA, Ph.D, and tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA; Prof. Dr. M. Ikhsan Tanggok, M.Si; Prof. Ismatu Ropi, MA, Ph.D; Prof. Dr. Yusron Razak, MA; Prof. Dr. Masri Mansoer, M.Ag; Prof. Dr. Ulfah Fajarini, M.Si.

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 Muhammad Irfan Wahid graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory. Muhammad Irfan Wahid is the 1641st Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies, in the doctoral program of the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. (JA)