MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) launched a new specialization in Islamic Jerusalem Studies within its Master’s Degree Program in Political Science. This initiative is the result of a fruitful collaboration between UMJ and Al-Isra Institute, Edinburgh, the United Kingdom.
UMJ Rector, Ma’mun Murod Al Barbasy, expressed his enthusiasm for the new concentration, highlighting its alignment with the university’s commitment to the Palestinian cause.
“I am truly grateful for the collaboration with Al-Isra Institute and the addition of this new concentration to our Master’s Degree Program of Political Science program. Indonesia and Muhammadiyah share a deep concern for the situation in Baitul Maqdis, Jerusalem,” said Ma’mun in a press release on Wednesday, October 9.
Ma’mun highlighted the Indonesian people’s sympathy for the Palestinian people and emphasized the importance of transforming this compassion into tangible actions. He cited previous initiatives such as solidarity rallies organized by the Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah University Rector Association.
“These are just a few examples of Muhammadiyah commitment to the Palestinian coouse. We have also sent humanitarian aid to Palestine on several occasions through Lazismu (the Muhammadiyah Department for Charity Management) and other organizations,” said Ma’mun.
Meanwhile, Abd Al-Fattah Al-Awaisi, from Al-Isra Institute, expressed his delight at the launch of the Islamic Jerusalem Studies program at UMJ.
“Alhamdulillah, the first Master’s Degree Program Specialization of Islamic Jerusalem Studies in Indonesian and Southeast Asian universities has been announced at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta,” he said. He emphasized the importance of knowledge in driving change, liberation, and civilization.
Besides, Lusi Andriyani, the Head of the Master of Political Science program, explained that the collaboration with Al-Isra Institute will facilitate academic research on the Middle East, particularly Jerusalem, and promote student and faculty exchange. She noted that there is a dearth of academic research on this topic, especially from an Islamic perspective.
