Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Romo H.R. Muhammad Syafi’i S.H., M.Hum, recently explained about inclusivism in education at Universitas Brawijaya (UB). According to him, inclusivism in education can open wider access for students to create an innovative and globally competitive generation. The presentation was delivered in a guest lecture at the Widyaloka Building, Universitas Brawijaya, Wednesday (2/12/2025).
“Inclusivism in education must be developed in its understanding so that there is no exclusivism from those who master certain fields,” he said.
He gave an example in the past, if a medical graduate became a politician it was considered strange. On the contrary, nowadays a medical graduate can become a mayor if he has adequate political knowledge.
Romo added that inclusiveness of education for students could be given in the form of providing broad access to conduct research to all students, study programs, and faculties
“The development of science and technology is not limited to what has become a discipline at UB. It could be the latest findings, which still support the development of science and I think the Chancellor will support that,” he said.
Romo said, in the eight Asta Cita Missions, inclusivism is sourced from the foundation of the Indonesian state, namely Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. Pancasila in its principles and the 1945 Constitution in its articles indeed lay the foundations of inclusivism, which were then intelligently concretized by the President of the Republic of Indonesia in his Asta Cita.
“So it seems that, the limits are only Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution,” he said.
In the political field, inclusivism implies that Indonesia does not side with any country or ideology, but based on Human Rights.
“As long as it protects Human Rights, then we will be in that position. Then we agree with democracy. As long as it is within the framework of democracy, then we agree to be there,” he said.
He said, in the economic field, Indonesia does not make any blocks. Not liberal, not socialist, but our economy, the Pancasila economy.
“Why is this called inclusive? Because we do not question any form, as long as it does not conflict with divinity, does not conflict with humanity, does not break unity, does not eliminate the principle of togetherness. And still focuses on creating social justice. I think that is inclusive,” he said.
He added, Inclusivity does not determine what form, format, but rather lays the foundations.
“It does not conflict with humanity, does not damage unity. Democracy builds cooperation. The point is, what is important is that we want to work together to improve the welfare of the Indonesian people,” he said.
In the activity, Vice Rector V Prof. Dr. Unti Ludigdo, SE., M.Si., Ak. said that UB has carried out many extraordinary religious activities, such as MTQ and coaching at the Raden Patah Mosque (MRP).
“There are so many activities carried out at MRP and mosques in the faculties including tahfidz coaching at MRP. In addition to the mosque, character coaching is also managed by the Student Personality Development Unit (PKM),” he said. (OKY/UB PR/ Trans. Iir).
