International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Hosts Samia Kotele in Inspiring Seminar on Islamic Gender Justice
Cirebon, July 7, 2025 -- The International Office of the Siber Building, located on the 5th floor, hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled “Indonesian Islam for The World: From Gusdur's Legacy to the KUPI Movement.” The event was attended by 50 participants, including scholars, students, and international guests who gathered to explore the intersections between feminism, Islamic reform, and global solidarity. As part of its mission to promote Indonesian Islamic scholarship on the world stage, the International Office facilitated an engaging discussion led by Samia Kotele, a French-based researcher from Lyon University and expert on Indonesian women ulama. “It’s inspiring to see how Kartini’s struggle for education resonates with women across continents,” she remarked during her opening remarks.
Samia began her session by delving into the life and feminist contributions of R.A. Kartini, highlighting how her journey reflects the broader challenges faced by Muslim women seeking leadership roles. Despite coming from a modest background and facing numerous obstacles, Kartini’s perseverance—and the support she received—allowed her to become a beacon of hope for generations of women. Samia emphasized that Kartini’s legacy is not just historical but deeply relevant today, especially in empowering young Muslim women through education and mentorship. She also noted Kartini’s active role in Muslim politics, showing that women have long been present in Islamic public spheres when given the opportunity. This theme of inclusion became a central thread throughout the seminar.
The second part of the presentation explored the intellectual and spiritual connection between Kartini and Gus Dur, two transformative figures in Indonesia’s Islamic history. Samia explained how both leaders challenged patriarchal norms and promoted justice and compassion within Islamic traditions. While Kartini used letters to critique gender inequality and call for meaningful religious education, Gus Dur lived these values through his leadership in Nahdlatul Ulama and advocacy for minority rights. His exposure to Islamic and Western thought shaped his inclusive worldview, which embraced interfaith dialogue, pluralism, and women’s participation in religious leadership. “Gus Dur may not have called himself a feminist,” Samia said, “but his actions spoke volumes about his commitment to gender equity.”
Samia then drew attention to the transnational impact of Kartini’s writings, particularly how they reached Arab women through translations in the 1920s. A powerful example she shared was the story of a Syrian girl who discovered Kartini’s letters in The Atlantic Monthly later translating them into Arabic to inspire women in the Middle East. This exchange marked an early form of feminist solidarity among Muslim women across borders, proving that struggles for equality are not confined by geography. Kartini’s voice, once limited to a small Javanese community, had grown into a global conversation. Her belief that true Islam is rooted in compassion rather than blind repetition continues to resonate in diverse cultural contexts.
The seminar also highlighted how Gus Dur built upon this progressive tradition, creating spaces where women could reclaim their theological authority and participate in Islamic scholarship. He championed religious freedom and recognized the interpretative power of female scholars, setting a precedent for future generations. Samia pointed out that Gus Dur’s upbringing in a pesantren family played a crucial role in shaping his views, as his grandfather had already encouraged girls' education in the early 20th century. Under Gus Dur’s leadership, NU became more inclusive, allowing women to step into positions of influence within religious institutions. His legacy, much like Kartini’s, serves as a foundation for contemporary movements advocating gender justice in Islam.
Throughout the seminar, the audience remained deeply engaged, asking questions and reflecting on how these historical insights can inform current efforts to advance women’s roles in Islamic discourse. Participants included local academics, international students, and representatives from various Islamic organizations, all eager to learn how Indonesia’s progressive thinkers continue to shape global narratives. The International Office played a pivotal role in organizing this event, reinforcing its commitment to showcasing Indonesian Islamic thought beyond national borders. By bringing together such a diverse group of attendees, the office succeeded in fostering a space for cross-cultural learning and mutual understanding. This seminar stands as a testament to the ongoing relevance of Kartini and Gus Dur’s visions in today’s world.
In conclusion, the seminar underscored the importance of supporting young Muslim women in accessing education and leadership opportunities, echoing Kartini’s lifelong mission. It also reaffirmed Gus Dur’s enduring influence in promoting an Islam rooted in mercy, reason, and justice. The International Office remains dedicated to hosting such impactful dialogues that bridge Indonesia’s rich intellectual heritage with global conversations on faith and gender. Looking ahead, the office plans to expand its programs to include more collaborative research and international exchanges focused on Islamic feminism and reform. Through these efforts, it aims to ensure that the voices of Indonesian women ulama and progressive thinkers continue to be heard around the world.
Authors: Cahya Salsabilla, Salsabila, and Bilqis Syifa Shoraya