SHARED VALUES AND PROSPECTS FOR SCHOLARLY COOPERATION

These days, a delegation of the Higher Education Council (Lembaga Pendidikan Tinggi Nahdlatul Ulama, LPTNU) operating under Indonesia’s Nahdlatul Ulama organization, which is currently visiting Uzbekistan, paid a visit to the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center. This body coordinates the activities of nearly 200 private universities and, in its work, promotes the concept of ‘Archipelagic Islam’ (Islam Nusantara), which is grounded in the principles of moderation and tolerance. This concept seeks to preserve the authentic essence of Islam while harmonizing it with local culture and traditions. Such an approach is regarded as one of the most effective safeguards against radicalism.

It is noteworthy that scholarly and educational relations between the two countries have entered a new stage in recent years. In particular, the dialogues held with the leadership of Nahdlatul Ulama during the visit of the Uzbekistan delegation to Indonesia last year laid an important foundation for practical partnership. The current return visit represents a logical continuation of those discussions. While agreements were reached during the meetings in Jakarta on jointly studying the legacy of Imam Bukhari and cooperating in the field of education, this latest exchange was assessed as a further step toward ensuring the continuity and systematic development of that dialogue.

LPTNU aims to bring the higher education institutions under its umbrella closer to the research centers of Central Asia.

The Center’s museum and exhibitions were presented to the delegation, which included rectors of various Indonesian universities and senior officials working in the field of education. Detailed information was provided on the legacy of Imam Bukhari, as well as on the Center’s activities in scientific research and international cooperation.

During the roundtable held as part of the visit, the practical aspects of establishing scholarly cooperation were discussed. In particular, the discussions focused on implementing joint research projects, organizing international symposiums and conferences, signing cooperation memoranda with higher education institutions under LPTNU, and exploring opportunities for collaboration within the framework of the Imam Bukhari International Scholarship Program.

Throughout the dialogue, special recognition was given to the ‘Umrah Plus’ pilgrimage tourism program being implemented in Uzbekistan and the academic tourism opportunities emerging within its framework. This initiative was assessed as an effective platform that harmonizes education, spirituality, and cultural exchange.

The head of the delegation, LPTNU Secretary-General Muhammad Faisal Aminuddin, warmly welcomed the proposals and expressed his readiness to develop long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation with the Center in the fields of education and science. The parties agreed to continue their dialogue and to advance cooperation to a new level based on concrete projects.

Imam Bukhari International scientific Research Center
Press Service