Auditorium Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta, SPs NEWS: The Graduate School of the State Islamic University (SPs UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta held the 1620th Doctoral Promotion Exam in the Auditorium Room of Prof. Dr. Suwito, MA SPs UIN Jakarta on Thursday, May 8, 2025 with promovendus Bahrun Mubarok.

Bahrun Mubarok is a student of the Doctoral program in Islamic Studies with a Concentration in Islamic Psychology. She wrote a dissertation titled "Lesbian Relations in the Context of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Hong Kong".

Bahrun conducted an in-depth study that explored the dynamics of same-sex relationships among migrant workers. Using the Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) approach, this study explores the layers of complexity that shape, develop, and terminate lesbian relationships in the unique context of the migration environment.

This study aims to comprehensively understand the factors that influence the formation of emotional bonds among female migrant workers in Hong Kong. More than just documenting the existence of lesbian relationships, this study delves deeper into how social, emotional, and especially religiosity play a role in the dynamics of those relationships.

The main findings of this study reveal that most lesbian relationships among migrant workers in Hong Kong tend to be situational. Various factors such as emotional need for support, fulfillment of sexual needs, social pressure from the environment of fellow migrant workers, and the atmosphere in Hong Kong, which is considered more permissive than the norms in Indonesia, are the main drivers for the formation of this relationship. The context of migration itself, with all its challenges such as separation from the family and conservative communities in the country, contributes significantly to behavioral changes and the exploration of sexual orientation in a freer environment.

One of the interesting aspects of this study was the discovery of the important role of religiosity in the lives of the participants. This study highlights how strong religious values often give rise to deep inner conflict for individuals involved in lesbian relationships. The decision-making process related to relationships, to the effort to repent, is colored by the struggle between religious beliefs and the experience of living abroad. This study recorded various forms of resolutions taken by the participants, ranging from acceptance of a new identity to the decision to return completely to the religious norms they believe.

A significant contribution of this dissertation lies in its ability to bridge the understanding between social psychology, religious psychology, and migration and gender studies. This research not only enriches the academic literature on the dynamics of same-sex relations in the context of migration, but also provides valuable insights for policymakers, religious organizations, and migrant worker support communities. A deeper understanding of the unique experiences of lesbian PMIs can be helpful in designing support programs that are more inclusive and sensitive to their psychological and spiritual needs.

The findings of this dissertation are expected to open up a wider space for dialogue on gender and sexuality issues in the context of migration, as well as encourage a better understanding of the diversity of Indonesian migrant workers' life experiences in the international arena.

Bahrun Mubarok successfully defended his dissertation under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Abdul Mujib, M.Ag, M.Si and Prof. Dr. Zahrotun Nihayah, M.Si, and was tested in front of a board of examiners consisting of Prof. Dr. Zulkifli, MA, Prof. Dr. Abdul Mujib, M.Ag, M.Si, Prof. Dr. Zahrotun Nihayah, M.Si, Prof. Dr. Dzuriyatun Toyibah, M.Si, MA, Prof. Siti Nurul Azkiyah, M.Sc, Ph.D and Dr. Diana Mutiah,  M.Si

After paying attention to the writing of the dissertation, the comments of the examiner team and the answers of the examiner, the examiner team determined that Bahrun Mubarok was declared to have graduated with the title of Very Satisfactory and became the 1620th Doctor in the field of Islamic Studies at the Graduate School of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.(JA)