UNU Jogja Students Represent Indonesia at Islamic World Cultural Dialogue Forum in Russia

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Three students from the Interdisciplinary Islamic Studies (SII) Study Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), Muhammad Najeed Fayyad Rohmatillah, Muhammad Ma’shum, and Rifanda Ahmad Nabil, represented Indonesia at the international forum “Dialog of Cultures: Russia–Islamic World,” held by the Russian Islamic Institute in Kazan, Russia, on Wednesday, October 21.

The forum was part of the Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2026 program, bringing together students, young researchers, and activists from 19 countries. Participants engaged in discussions and exchanged ideas on culture, religion, and humanitarian values as a foundation for fostering mutual understanding in diverse societies.

Rafik Mukhametshin, Rector of the Russian Islamic Institute, explained that the forum was designed as a meeting place for young people from various countries to engage in open discussions about culture, religion, and shared values. Through these interactions, participants were expected not only to exchange perspectives but also to develop cross-cultural understanding as a foundation for peace and harmony.

M. Rofiqi, a lecturer in the SII Study Program and supervisor of the UNU Jogja students, said their participation provided an opportunity to represent Indonesia while emphasizing the importance of intercultural dialogue in an increasingly diverse global society.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to take part in conveying the importance of intercultural dialogue in this era,” he said.

According to Rofiqi, participation in the international forum was also part of UNU Jogja’s efforts to expand its academic networks and bring Indonesian perspectives into global dialogue.

Similarly, Ahmad Hujaj Nurohim, an SII lecturer and student supervisor, viewed the participation as an opportunity to bring the spirit of National Santri Day to an international forum. The presence of UNU Jogja students was expected to introduce the values of Islam Nusantara, which are rooted in Indonesia’s traditions of diversity, dialogue, and community life.

“Coinciding with National Santri Day, the students’ participation in this forum provides an opportunity to introduce Indonesia’s national identity and the values of Islam Nusantara to the international community,” Hujaj said.

Amy Maulana, Ph.D., Chair of the Special Branch Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCINU) in Russia, said the involvement of UNU Jogja students in the international forum was an important step toward introducing the face of Indonesian Islam to the world. He added that the presence of santri in intercultural dialogue could demonstrate how Indonesia’s Islamic traditions coexist with diversity, openness, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.

“This participation not only broadens the students’ international experience but also creates opportunities for the younger generation of Nahdlatul Ulama to build networks and strengthen their contributions to global conversations on Islam, culture, and humanity,” he said.

During the forum, Rifanda Ahmad Nabil shared his perspective on diversity and unity in Indonesia. He explained that the national principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) serves as a foundation for Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, to maintain unity and harmony amid its diverse ethnic groups, religions, and communities.

In addition to attending the dialogue forum, the UNU Jogja delegation also participated in an international olympiad in Islamic studies and Arabic during their stay in Kazan.

Reporter: Latifah