Minister Of Religion Nasaruddin Umar Achieves Doctor Of Divinity Title From Hartford University

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar (Photo: Antara)

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar received the Doctor of Divinity title from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace which took place at an official ceremony at the Hartford campus.

"Alhamdulillah, today I have the honor of the title Doctor Honoris Causa from Hartford International University (formerly known as Hartford Seminary), one of the best universities in America," said Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar quoting Antara.

The Minister of Religion said that this honorary title was so memorable because Hartford International University was like home.

He admitted that he had emotional closeness to Hartford and mentioned President Hartford International University, Dr. Joel N. Lohr as a friend who often visits Indonesia and is warmly welcomed at his residence and office.

"I don't feel like a guest here. Whenever I come to this city and to this campus, I feel like I'm going home. I'm sure this award might be more than I should have received," he said.

He emphasized that efforts to build peace across faith are still the beginning of a long journey that must continue to be fought for.

The Minister of Religion emphasized the importance of building common ground in the midst of differences, both between religions and between schools in Islam.

He gave an example of the harmonious relationship he built since students at IAIN Alauddin Ujung Pandang, including with two large Islamic organizations in Indonesia.

"I am a Nahdlatul Ulama citizen, but always have a close relationship with Muhammadiyah and its leaders. Both are important assets for this nation," he said.

Nasaruddin also shared his experience during studies in the United States, including when participating in postdoctoral programs and field research attenuated University.

He witnessed firsthand the 9/11 tragedy and also initiated the establishment of the IMAAM Center in Virginia, which was inaugurated by the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, in 2014.

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar who is also the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque revealed that since 2023, he has sent dozens of master and doctoral students to Hartford for intensive training.

Through the Ulama Cadre Education program (PKU), the participants sent to Hartford University were trained intensively, ranging from English, research methodology, to interpretationary epistemology. He called the experience of studying in America like reading a live big book.

The Minister of Religion also appreciated the close relationship between Hartford and important Indonesian figures, such as Dr. Alwi Shihab, Dr. Azyumardi Azra, Dr. Hafid Abbas, and Jusuf Kalla.

He considered that it was time for the Indonesia Study Center to be formed at Hartford as an effort to strengthen cooperation in education and religion between countries.

"This study center will be a positive energy for relations between Indonesia and the United States, especially in building civilization through educational channels and interfaith dialogue," he said.