Making productive use of the inter-semester break, the Professor of Gender Studies at UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Associate Director of the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS), Prof. Alimatul Qibtiyah, M.A., Ph.D., is conducting intensive research at the China Confucius Research Institute, based in Qufu, Shandong Province, China. This international academic engagement spans a full two months, from 1 July to 31 August 2026.

Prof. Alimatul, who also serves as an executive and member of the leadership of the 'Aisyiyah and Muhammadiyah Central Boards, was selected as one of the international academics in the prestigious Qilu Visiting Study and Residency Research Program. This fully funded research residency program provides a platform for scholars from around the world to deepen their understanding of the richness of civilization, philosophy, and socio-religious interaction.

On her very first day of arrival, Prof. Alimatul was warmly welcomed by the highest-ranking leader of the China Confucius Research Institute, Mr. Kong Deli, who serves as President and Deputy Secretary of the institute's committee. This formal reception concluded with an impressive formal dinner, presenting the distinctive culinary aesthetics of the local culture, rich with cultural significance.

As part of her field research agenda, on 10 July 2026, Prof. Alimatul visited the Qufu Mosque in Shandong, where she documented important glimpses of the concept of historical Islamic harmony in China. Among her documentation is an inscription carved on the mosque wall bearing the motto "伊儒会通" (Yi Ru Hui Tong), meaning “Integration and Meeting Point between Islam and Confucianism”, and "以儒诠经" (Yi Ru Quan Jing), meaning “Interpreting the Qur'an through the Lens of Confucianism.” These inscriptions record the historical legacy of past Chinese Muslim scholars who harmoniously brought Islamic values into dialogue with local traditions.

Notably, this concept of cultural integration is also echoed in a second document she discovered at the location, a plaque bearing a quotation from an official speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which he affirmed that Chinese civilization is inclusive because it has always been open to learning from other civilizations. The close relationship between Islam and Confucianism (Yi Ru Hui Tong) is explicitly acknowledged in this statement of state.

Through this residency and research program, Prof. Alimatul hopes to bring fresh perspectives on the study of harmony, gender, and interfaith dialogue back to Indonesia. Given that Prof. Alimatul is also an activist within the Centre for Women's Studies (PSW) and the Kalijaga Institute for Justice (KIJ) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, this academic experience simultaneously strengthens the international networks of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, ICRS, and the Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah organizations in the arena of inclusive and progressive global thought. (humassk)