UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta successfully held a public lecture on Thursday, March 16, 2023, on the theme "Religion and Development" at the Prof. Soenarjo Building, 5.H. Floor 1, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. The event was verified and attended by students, lecturers, and invited guests.

The keynote speaker for the public lecture was the renowned Prof. Dr.phil. H. Kamaruddin Amin, M.A, who is the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia. Prof. Dr.phil. H. Kamaruddin Amin delivered a talk on the role of religion in national development issues. He emphasized the importance of religion being present, responsive, and tangible for society. One way to achieve this is through optimizing the role of wakaf (endowments), zakat (charitable donations), infaq (voluntary charity), and sedekah (alms-giving), which can contribute to resolving development challenges.

The event was graced by the presence of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's Rector, Prof. Dr. Phil Al Makin, M.A., and the Vice-Rector III, Dr. Abdur Rozaki, M.Si. The lecture was an opportunity for attendees to deepen their understanding of the crucial role that religion plays in development. It was also an occasion to create collective awareness of the critical role of wakaf management, zakat institutions, infaq, and sedekah in promoting development.

Prof. Dr.phil. H. Kamaruddin Amin's lecture was well-received, and the attendees expressed appreciation for the insights shared. The lecture emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships between religious institutions, government, and civil society in addressing development challenges. Prof. Dr.phil. H. Kamaruddin Amin also encouraged attendees to continue exploring innovative solutions for development challenges through collaboration and cooperation.

Overall, the public lecture on "Religion and Development" was a successful and meaningful event that highlighted the crucial role of religion in promoting development. It provided an opportunity for attendees to learn from a renowned expert in the field and to engage in meaningful dialogue on the topic. UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta demonstrated its commitment to promoting knowledge and critical thinking by hosting such events that contribute to the development of society. (Ihza)