The Faculty of Sharia and Law of the State Islamic University (UIN) Ar-Raniry organized an International Public Lecture featuring Prof. Ken Miichi, an Indonesianist from Waseda University in Japan. Prof. Ken has studied Islamic Studies and Political Islam in Indonesia for almost two decades and has published numerous Japanese, Indonesian, and English works.
During the lecture, Prof. Ken described himself as an “outsider” from Japan, emphasizing his objective perspective on Islamic politics and Islamic studies in Indonesia. He spent time studying in Indonesia while he was in Japan and attended UNS, Surakarta. His research focuses on Islamic movements such as traditionalism, Islamism, and fundamentalism and touches on the issue of feminism. Prof. Ken highlighted the challenges of writing about Indonesia for readers in Japan and beyond, emphasizing the interest of “outsiders” in Indonesian politics.
He highlighted organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) as examples of proponents of this ideology. On the other hand, Islamism advocates for the incorporation of Islamic principles into the state and political structure, with a broad spectrum ranging from moderate to radical. Adherents of Islamism often argue for the application of sharia (Islamic law) in various aspects of state life, including governance, education, law, and economics. Prof. Ken also pointed out the varying degrees of Islamist movements in Indonesia, spanning from moderate to more radical, with the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) representing a political party that adheres to Islamism with a more moderate approach.
Furthermore, Prof. Ken emphasized the pivotal role of feminism in advocating for gender equality. He highlighted how feminist movements in Indonesia address issues such as violence against women, workplace discrimination, and disparities in access to education and healthcare. Additionally, he noted that feminism in Indonesia has adapted to local and religious values, giving rise to “Islamic-based” feminism, which champions gender equality within the framework of Islamic values.
His research on Islamic politics in Indonesia, particularly related to political parties, covers the development of thought and ideology practised by these parties and movements. Prof. Ken has published his work in scientific journals in Scopus, focusing on the Nahdlatul Ulama movement and other aspects of Islamic political movements in Indonesia.
Numerous individuals from multiple educational institutions located across different regions of Indonesia actively participated in this program. Their high enthusiasm resulted from the contemporary and pertinent nature of the topics presented by Prof. Ken. The event was graced by leaders, lecturers, and students from the esteemed Faculty of Sharia and Law at UIN Ar-Raniry. Prof. Eka Srimulyani, the distinguished director of postgraduate studies at UIN Ar-Raniry, also attended. Furthermore, the lecture was enriched by the attendance of several lecturers representing various campuses in Indonesia.
