SERANG - Faculty of Ushuluddin and Adab (FUDA) State Islamic University (UIN) Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (SMH) Banten successfully held an event Studium Generale and Book Review on a national scale on Thursday (4/6/2026). Taking place in the FUDA Hall on Campus 2, this academic event raised the big theme “Reviving the Fire of Nationalism of Syaikh Nawawi al Bantani in the Land of Birth; Local Traces and Global Impact”.
The event was opened directly by the Rector of UIN SMH Banten, Prof. M. Ishom, M.A. In this momentum, emphasis was given to the importance of re-exploring the thoughts and work of Syaikh Nawawi who was not only recognized in the archipelago, but also in the world arena.
To thoroughly explore the ulama's local footprint and global impact, the event featured five leading experts and academics as resource persons, namely: Dr. Ngatawi al-Zastrow, Jamal D. Rahman, Prof. Mufti Ali, Ph.D., Dr. Eva Syarifah Wardah, Dr. M. Shofin Sugito, M.A.
The discussion of ideas from the five figures was nicely guided by Angga Pusaka Hidayat, M.Hum. who acted as moderator. They highlighted how Syaikh Nawawi al-Bantani's intellectual legacy is relevant as the foundation of modern nationalism for the younger generation.
Taufik Ismail's Magical Moment
The atmosphere of the knowledge-intensive academic forum instantly turned magical and solemn with the presence of a national figure, writer, and senior cultural figure, Taufik Ismail. In front of the audience, Taufik Ismail read an epic poem full of meaning about the figure of Syaikh Yusuf al Makassari, a warrior scholar who also has deep historical ties to the land of Banten. This performance gave a very strong cultural weight to the event.
This activity received wide appreciation and attention, as evidenced by the attendance list representing various strategic elements in Banten Province. Also attending the event were representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) of Banten Province, the Banten Provincial Education Office, and the Banten Cultural Preservation Center (BPK).
Not only that, this event was also a gathering place for leaders of Islamic Community Organizations (CSOs) in the Banten region. Figures from the Regional Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PWNU), PW Muhammadiyah, PW al-Khairiyah, PW Mathla'ul Anwar, PW Islamic Unity (PERSIS), to Rabithah Ma'ahid Islamiyah (RMI) Banten were present. Hundreds of FUDA UIN Banten students also packed the hall, showing high enthusiasm for religious and national discourse.
Via Studium Generale With this book discussion, it is hoped that the example of Syaikh Nawawi al-Bantani - who was able to balance the depth of religious knowledge and love for the homeland - can continue to live and be an inspiration, especially for the people of Banten and global civilization in general.
