Anies: An Islamic Golden Age Inspires A Better Future

Presidential Candidate Anies Baswedan was a keynote speaker at the 40th Anniversary Symposium by International Islamic University Alumni Association in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (ANTARA/Personal Documentation)

JAKARTA - The presidential candidate from the Coalition for Change Anies Baswedan said that the golden age of Islam could be an inspiration in moving towards a better future.

"Why should we reflect on that time? Because this is not just a reminder of past glory, this is a reminder that in our DNA we lie the spirit, essence of their curiosity, their persistence, their unshakable belief in the strength of transformative knowledge," Anies said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, October 11.

This was conveyed by him when he was a keynote speech at the 40th Anniversary Symposium by International Islamic UniversityMalaysia Alumni Association in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Anies then explained the process of entering Islam into Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. According to him, there are several prominent areas such as in Southeast Asia that embrace Islam, and continue to pursue science without stopping.

"This is a narrative of the commitment to never give up in getting enlightenment," he said.

He also explained about the history of Islamic civilization in Southeast Asia and its combination with local culture, as well as the values and wealth of Islamic heritage in Southeast Asia.

Anies also assessed that the process of entering Islam into Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, was not carried out through conquest, but through culture, literature, trade, and education in Islamic boarding schools that had long been established as beacons.

"For centuries Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia have offered more than just religious teaching, but have also become community centers in character formation to foster enthusiasm in exploring research, research and science," he said.

In addition, Anies conveyed several steps for global Islamic education, including through global relevance, inter-disciplinary approaches, technological integration, research and development, sustainable practice, and dialogue between religious communities.