UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Makes History: Launches CILEM as a Center for Islamic Law and Ethics Based on Mubadalah and Holds an International Seminar Entitled “Indonesia Islam for the World – From Gus Dur’s Legacy to the KUPI Movement”
Cirebon, July 7, 2025 — UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon has made a new historical milestone with the launch of the Center for Islamic Laws and Ethics of Mubadalah (CILEM), an innovative research center focused on developing Islamic law and ethics based on the principle of mubadalah. The official launch was symbolically carried out by the Rector of UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag., together with the Director of CILEM, Nor Ismah, Ph.D , in a grand event titled the International Seminar “Indonesia Islam for the World – From Gus Dur's Legacy to the KUPI Movement.” This event was held as a collaborative effort between CILEM and the International Office (IO) of UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, and was attended by academic figures, religious scholars, and participants from both national and international backgrounds.
Held at the International Office on the 5th floor of the UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon building, the launch was also broadcast live via Zoom and YouTube, reaching a global audience. The successful implementation of this event demonstrated the competence and professionalism of the CILEM and IO teams who worked hard to ensure the smooth running of the program. By addressing the broader theme of Indonesia’s contribution to global Islam, CILEM was introduced as a response to the growing need for a humanistic, inclusive, and progressive approach to Islamic studies.
The event was hosted by a charismatic MC, Nurul Bahrul Ulum, M.P.P., a member of CILEM, who opened the session with warm greetings and an elegant presentation. Present on this occasion were university leaders, including the Rector of UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Prof. Dr. H. Aan Jaelani, M.Ag.; Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., Head of the International Office and member of CILEM; Ivo Dinasta Yanuar, M.Appling, Secretary of the International Office; and Dr. Faqihuddin Abdul Kodir, Lc, MA , a member of KUPI (Indonesian Congress of Women Ulama) and a member of the CILEM Steering Committee.
Prominent professor such as Prof. Dr. Hj. Septi Gumiandari, M.Ag. also provided moral and intellectual support to CILEM. In addition, key stakeholders such as Deans, Deputy Deans, Department Heads, and other unit leaders were present to witness the birth of this new research center. Moreover, international participants such as Prof. Rudolf Wirawan from Adelaide University, Australia, and Ivan Chabibilah, Business Development Executive from ICCCM Malaysia, joined the virtual discussion forum. Their presence further strengthened the global atmosphere and international relevance of the event.
In his opening remarks, the Rector of UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon expressed high hopes for the establishment of CILEM. “We believe that CILEM will become a research center that contributes not only to the campus but also to the wider community and the international world,” he said. He emphasized that CILEM represents UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon’s commitment to responding to contemporary challenges through a more dialogical, just, and humanistic approach. According to him, CILEM is a symbol of the transformation of Islamic thought in the country that is ready to reach the global stage. He urged CILEM to maintain scientific integrity, build interdisciplinary collaboration, and serve as the forefront of an Islam that brings blessings to all (rahmatan lil‘alamin).
The international seminar accompanying the launch of CILEM was moderated by Maymunah Mudjahid, M.Hum. , the Secretary of CILEM, and featured a keynote speech by Prof. Greg Barton from the Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University, Australia. In his inspiring presentation, he discussed Gus Dur’s legacy in the context of humanitarian and world peace-oriented Islam. He emphasized that Gus Dur was a figure who successfully built a narrative of tolerant, pluralistic, and universal Islam. According to Prof. Greg Barton, Indonesia has great potential to become a model for Muslim countries worldwide in terms of religious moderation. He stressed the importance of preserving Gus Dur’s spirit as the soul of peaceful, just, and empathetic Islamic struggle.
Next, Samia Kotele, Ph.D., a member of the CILEM Steering Committee from Lyon University, France, delivered an inspiring presentation comparing the struggles of Kartini and Gus Dur in supporting women’s emancipation. She stated that these two great figures had created movements that had not only national but also global impacts. “Kartini’s movement not only raised awareness among women in Indonesia but also in Syria and other Middle Eastern countries,” she said. Her presentation provided fresh inspiration and motivation for all parties to continue striving for equality. Samia asserted that women have made significant contributions to shaping a more inclusive and egalitarian discourse of Islam.
The final speaker, Nor Ismah, Ph.D., Director of CILEM, gave a deeply insightful presentation on the movement of the Indonesian Congress of Women Ulama (KUPI). She explained that KUPI emerged from concerns over the lack of female voices in sharia decision-making processes. “Fatwas have long been dominated by male scholars, although women possess unique life experiences that deserve to be heard,” she said. Nor Ismah emphasized that KUPI does not merely produce written fatwas but also creates tangible changes in society through advocacy and education. She stated that this movement represents renewal within traditional ulama circles, making them more inclusive and responsive. According to her, KUPI opens space for women to become active subjects in the production of Islamic knowledge. She invited all parties to support and sustain this momentum as part of a broader transformation toward a more inclusive and just Islam.
Additionally, Prof. Rudolf Wirawan from Adelaide University, Australia, offered input and appreciation virtually to the participants. Although not physically present, he expressed full support for the success of the event and, together with Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., took the opportunity to present the BIMA framework (Bridging Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Awareness), which is relevant to the overall theme of the seminar. He explained that the BIMA approach can serve as a strong foundation for building an understanding of Islam that is not only rational but also empathetic and socially aware. This framework is seen as a bridge between intellect and spirituality in responding to contemporary issues.
The launch of CILEM and the international seminar truly marked a monumental moment, both for UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon and for Islamic intellectual traditions in Indonesia and globally. Amid rising extremism and ideological polarization, CILEM emerges as a beacon of hope, promoting values of peace, equality, and justice within the framework of an Islam that brings blessings to all (rahmatan lil‘alamin). With the support of international experts, a global network, and a strong moral commitment, CILEM is ready to become a relevant, innovative, and dignified research center. This marks the beginning of a long journey toward renewing Islamic discourse to make it more humane and contextual. The world must know that from Cirebon, from UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, a human-centered Islam is rising confidently and proudly. And CILEM is one of the manifestations of this resurgence.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri