In line with the visionary motto “Empowering Knowledge, Shaping the Future” championed by the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta has once again emerged as a vibrant hub for intellectual exchange. The city is currently hosting an international conference and workshop entitled Exploring Everyday Religious Life: Tensions and Entanglements between Official Religion, State Regulation and Lived Religion. Running until 15 February 2025, the event has attracted a distinguished gathering of scholars, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe, all converging to delve into the complex interrelationships between everyday religious practices, state policies, and the institutional role of religion in modern society.

The proceedings opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Ahmad Rafiq, Director of the Graduate School at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. In his address, Dr. Ahmad Rafiq expressed sincere appreciation for the conference, underscoring its importance as a forum for exchanging ideas and strengthening collaborative research. “This event is fully aligned with our vision to empower knowledge, ultimately shaping a future that is both inclusive and solution-oriented,” he remarked, setting a tone of rigorous academic inquiry and collaborative spirit.

Following this, Professor Dr. Edith Franke from UMR Marburg provided an in-depth introduction to the background and objectives of the conference. Emphasising the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, she argued that understanding the confluence of religious traditions, state policies, and social dynamics requires insights from a diverse array of academic perspectives. “The involvement of scholars from various countries enriches the discourse and paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of Islamic and social studies,” she added.

Equally compelling was the contribution of Prof. Dr. Sahiron Syamsuddin, Director of Islamic Higher Education (Diktis) at Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, who stressed the urgency of adopting a contextual approach in the study of contemporary Islam. In his comprehensive presentation, he highlighted the need for academic discourses that address current challenges while upholding the values of inclusivity and moderation. “Forums such as this serve as a critical platform for academics to formulate a discourse on Islam that is both relevant and responsive to our rapidly evolving social landscape,” he observed.

The official commencement of the conference was marked by a keynote address from Rector Prof. Dr. Noorhaidi Hasan of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. In his opening speech, the Rector intricately linked the day’s events to the institution’s overarching vision, emphasising that the multifaceted challenges posed by globalisation and the complexities of socio-religious issues demand robust, cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative thought. “This conference is not merely a space for the exchange of ideas; it is a strategic moment to forge new, practical concepts that address the pressing socio-religious issues of our time,” he declared.

The conference has been further enriched by a host of esteemed speakers. Among them, Machasin from UIN Sunan Kalijaga delivered a compelling keynote on “Managing Religions and Religious Life: An Indonesian Experience,” while Professor Dr. Edith Franke introduced the concept of “vernacular religion” as a vital framework for understanding the nuances of everyday religious practice. The panel discussions featured notable contributions from:

• Albrecht Fuess (Marburg University), who explored the institutionalisation of migrant religions in post-World War II Germany;
• Fadhel Izanul Akbar (UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta), who analysed the dynamics of religious practice in Indonesia;
• Muhammad Mufti Al Achsan (UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta), who examined the transformation of Salafism within contemporary political contexts;
• Khaidir Hasram (Indonesian International Islamic University), who investigated the role of ethnoreligious politics in Southeast Asia;
• Susanne Rodemeier (University of Marburg), who shed light on internal conflicts within Indonesian rural communities;
• Isabel Jakob (University of Marburg), who discussed the instrumentalisation of religion in the politics of Hindu nationalism in India;
• Ubed Abdilah Syarif (Pradita University); and
• Imam Sopyan (Indonesian International Islamic University), who provided insights on the oversight of policies promoting religious moderation.

In addition, several other distinguished contributors—including Ayub Wahyudin, Dewi Candraningrum, Annisa Fitri Amaliah, Ahmad Muttaqin, Umar Ryad, Mubaidi Sulaeman, Munirul Ikhwan, Fina Ulya, Fatikhatul Faizah, Abd. Halim, Claudia Derichs, Nur Laeliyatul Masruroh, Josef Ell, Esat Öztürk, Amin Mudzakkir, Moch Nur Ichwan, Firmanda Taufiq, and Rahmatullah—have enriched the discourse with their profound insights, showcasing a wide spectrum of perspectives from both domestic and international experts.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference also offers field visits to historically significant sites, such as the Mendut Buddhist Monastery and the Royal Graveyard Complex of Imogiri. These excursions are designed to provide participants with a tangible understanding of how historical religious traditions continue to shape modern religious practices in Indonesia.

Aligned with the vision of “Empowering Knowledge, Shaping the Future,” this conference reinforces UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s commitment to being a progressive centre for religious studies that is responsive to global dynamics. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and critical dialogue, the event is expected to generate innovative research that not only enriches the fields of Islamic and social studies but also offers practical solutions to contemporary societal challenges.

With enthusiastic participation from an array of international experts, the conference stands as a powerful testament to the belief that academic dialogue and the empowerment of knowledge are crucial pathways to a more harmonious, inclusive, and just future.(Humas UIN SUKA)