International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Fully Supports the Launch of CILEM: A Strategic Step Toward a Humanist and Inclusive Islam
Cirebon, July 07, 2025 – The International Office (IO) of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon played a key role in the official launch of the Center for Islamic Laws and Ethics of Mubadalah (CILEM). As a strategic partner in organizing the event, IO contributed significantly to the successful hybrid implementation held at the International Office, 5th floor of the Siber Building, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, with live streaming via Zoom and YouTube. The launch marked a significant milestone in promoting Islamic discourse rooted in justice, equality, and human dignity. CILEM’s establishment aligns with IO’s long-standing commitment to advancing moderate, contextual, and globally relevant Islamic scholarship. This collaboration reflects the university’s broader vision to become a leading institution in Islamic thought with international impact. The event brought together voices from academia, leadership, and civil society, both locally and internationally.
The launch was attended by several notable figures from within and beyond the campus. Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag., Rector of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, officially launched CILEM alongside its Director, Nor Ismah, Ph.D. Present at the event was Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and member of CILEM, who expressed strong support for the center’s mission. Also in attendance was senior academic, Prof. Dr. Hj. Septi Gumiandari, M.Ag., along with deans, vice deans, department heads, and unit leaders. Internationally, the event was joined virtually by Prof. Rudolf Wirawan from Adelaide University, Australia, and Ivan Chabibilah from ICCCM Malaysia, highlighting global interest in CILEM's vision and goals.
Rektor UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag., shared his hopes for CILEM during his opening remarks. He emphasized that CILEM represents a breakthrough in Islamic thought – one that is ready to contribute to both national and global communities. “We believe that CILEM will become a center of study that not only benefits our campus but also society at large,” he said. According to him, CILEM should serve as a space for generating progressive ideas that bridge Islamic values with contemporary social realities. He highlighted the relevance of mubadalah, a principle of relational justice in addressing today’s complex challenges. His words were met with enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose among participants. For the rector, this launch was more than ceremonial, it was the beginning of a movement toward a more inclusive and humane understanding of Islam.
As part of the organizing team, the International Office affirmed that the launch of CILEM marks a crucial step in expanding moderate and inclusive Islamic narratives. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., stated that the event affirms UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon’s readiness to be a global actor in contemporary Islamic discourse. “This is not just a routine launch. It is a declaration that we can offer a model of Islam that is humanistic, contextual, and grounded in peace,” she remarked. She added that CILEM has the potential to become an international reference point for progressive Islamic legal and ethical studies. The International Office is proud to have been involved in this initiative from the very beginning. With strong institutional backing, CILEM is positioned to grow into a globally recognized center of Islamic thought.
During the event, the International Office also highlighted the importance of cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration that CILEM aims to foster. Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. and Prof Rudolf Wirawan introduced the BIMA framework (Bridging Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Awareness) as an approach aligned with CILEM’s vision. The framework offers a way to integrate intellectual insight with empathy and spiritual awareness when addressing socio-religious issues. “We believe this kind of approach is necessary so that Islamic studies are not only rational but also deeply meaningful to people’s lives,” she explained. Her presentation was well received by both online and offline participants. The BIMA framework is expected to serve as a strong foundation for future CILEM programs.
Looking ahead, the International Office will continue to support CILEM in developing international programs, collaborative research, and global academic publications. IO is ready to facilitate partnerships with similar institutions across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia to strengthen CILEM’s global presence. Initiatives such as regular discussion forums, training for religious scholars, and thematic publications will receive full IO support. The goal is to ensure that CILEM becomes not just a local center of excellence, but also an active contributor to the evolution of Islamic thought worldwide. With continued collaboration, CILEM is set to grow into a dynamic, inclusive, and impactful institution.
With a solid foundation of cooperation and full institutional support, CILEM is poised to become a beacon for a peaceful, just, and egalitarian Islam. The International Office believes that CILEM will provide a productive space for ideas that connect Islamic values with the pressing needs of the modern world. The world must know: from Cirebon, from UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, a new movement of renewal is emerging, one that is not only locally meaningful but universally inspiring. And the International Office is proud to be part of this journey from the very start.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri