Harun Nasution Auditorium, News Online — Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta reaffirmed its position as a center for the development of Islamic thought and strengthening of literacy culture through the holding of the "Launch and Review of Three Books in the Thought Series" by the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, MA, at the Harun Nasution Auditorium, Campus 1 UIN Jakarta, Thursday (16/7/2026).

This event was not merely a book launch ceremony, but rather an affirmation that books, literacy, and intellectual traditions remain the primary foundations of higher education progress amidst the rapid flow of digital transformation and the development of artificial intelligence ( AI ). Through this activity, UIN Jakarta encouraged the academic community to re-establish reading, writing, and discussion as the lifeblood of campus life.

Three books introduced to the public, namely Purifying Thoughts: Traces of Prof. Nasaruddin Umar's Masterpieces, The Node of Prof. Nasaruddin Umar's Thoughts, and Selected Articles & Opinions of Prof. Nasaruddin Umar , record the intellectual journey of the Indonesian Minister of Religion in building the idea of ​​moderate Islam, inclusive nationality, universal Islamic values, and civilized civilization.

The event was attended directly by the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, MA, the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, SH, M.Sc., the leadership of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the rectors of State Islamic Universities (PTKIN), and private Islamic universities within the Kopertais Region I, professors, academics, clerics, bureaucrats, intellectuals, and students from various regions.

Books as Drivers of Civilization
The Chancellor of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, MA, Ph.D., in his remarks emphasized that the launch of the three books has a strategic meaning in reviving the tradition of literacy which has long been the identity of higher education.

According to him, campuses should not merely be spaces for the transfer of knowledge, but rather a place where ideas, scientific dialogue, and innovations that contribute to society are born. "The three books by Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar not only document his intellectual journey over decades but also present new perspectives that enrich the treasury of contemporary Islamic scholarship. Therefore, the launch of this book is not merely a ceremony, but rather a re-establishment of the campus's intellectual tradition," said Prof. Asep.

The three books, said Prof. Asep, present various important ideas that have been Prof. Nasaruddin Umar's scientific contributions, ranging from gender hermeneutics, eco-Sufism, social hermeneutics, psycho-Sufism, to ecotheology. This diverse range of thinking is considered to have strong relevance in addressing the challenges of modern society while enriching the development of Islamic studies, both in Indonesia and globally.

Moreover, the Chancellor hopes that these books will become a source of inspiration for the birth of new research, theses, dissertations, scientific articles, and various academic works that can broaden scientific horizons

Literacy as that Heart of Higher Education
Amidst the rapidly changing information landscape, a culture of literacy is considered a key asset for higher education institutions in maintaining academic quality. Through a book review, UIN Jakarta emphasized that the tradition of reading and writing is an integral part of the process of developing future scientists, researchers, and leaders.

For the world of higher education, books are not merely a repository of knowledge, but also a space for intergenerational dialogue that fosters renewed thought. Every scholarly work serves as a link connecting past experiences with future challenges.

Therefore, strengthening literacy is not enough to be achieved through increasing access to information sources, but must be accompanied by the growth of a culture of critical thinking, the ability to interpret knowledge in depth, and the courage to produce works that benefit the wider community.

Preparinng the Future Generation of Academics
The Chancellor of UIN Jakarta emphasized that universities have a great responsibility in producing a generation of academics who are not only intellectually superior, but also have moral integrity and concern for national issues.

"Campuses must produce lecturers, researchers, and scholars capable of mentoring students, developing a tradition of critical thinking, and disseminating knowledge that provides broad benefits to society. Hopefully, these three books will be a vehicle for the birth of enlightening ideas, strengthening Islamic civilization, and providing the greatest possible benefit to the people, the nation, and the world," said Prof. Asep.

The presence of intellectual works such as the series of thoughts by Prof. Nasaruddin Umar is expected to enrich the collection of academic references while expanding the academic community's access to strategic ideas relevant to Islamic, humanitarian, environmental, and civilizational development issues.

In the end, when the culture of reading, writing and discussion continues to be maintained in the university environment, the campus will not only produce graduates, but will give birth to innovative thinkers and leaders who are able to build civilization through the power of science.
(Contributor: Rizki Mulyarahman; Documentation: PIH UIN Jakarta; Editor: Agus Rifai/Rizki Mulyarahman)

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