South Tangerang - FAH UIN Jakarta | Calligraphy transformation in the digital era is an attractive journey, combining traditional values with unlimited potential through modern technology. Highlighting this, the Arabic Language and Literature (BSA) Study Program of FAH UIN Jakarta held a webinar entitled "Digital Calligraphy: Prospects and Challenges". The webinar, which was held via zoom meeting, was filled by three great presenters in the field of calligraphy, including: 1) Dr. Didin Sirojudin, AR, M.Ag.; 2) Dr. Afifuddin Harisah, Lc., M.Ag.; and Mawardi, S.Hum. The three presenters delivered very insightful discussions related to the world of calligraphy.

This webinar was open to the public, attended by students and aspiring calligraphers of the country. The Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, S.Ag., S.S., M. Hum., CIQnR. in his speech revealed an interesting thing: "Calligraphy art skills are quite important, especially for BSA students. The metamorphosis of calligraphy from conventional to digital is very innovative, because the access is open. But of course it has its own challenges. The value of art in digital calligraphy must be maintained and needs to be anticipated so that plagiarism does not occur". Said the Dean of FAH UIN Jakarta.

Didin Sirojudin, AR. M.Ag., as the first speaker delivered a subject related to the relevance of digital calligraphy to the industrial revolution, according to him, the development of digital calligraphy has its own pluses and minuses. "Calligraphy in digital form actually has a lot of advantages. Such as saving paper, coloring in calligraphy is brighter, paint will not spill, and efficient in the process," he concluded. The statement delivered by him is in line with the "Go Green" mission that has been echoed by the public recently. Go Green or the mission to save the environment can be done through various ways, one of which is by reducing the use of paper. If calligraphers paint digitally, the paper that will be wasted will automatically be less so that it can reduce tree cutting. In addition, digital calligraphy also has a shorter processing time because it is very easy to edit when using digital media. At the end of his session, Dr. Didin Sirojudin, who is a Lecturer of Arabic Language and Literature (BSA) UIN Jakarta as well as the Head of the Pesantren of Al-Qur'an Calligraphy Institute (LEMKA) underlined an important statement that a calligrapher who does not keep up with the times will definitely be left behind.

The next material was delivered by Dr. Afifuddin Harisah, Lc., M.Ag. He is a lecturer at UIN Alauddin Makassar. In his presentation, he highlighted important things related to the changing dimensions of calligraphy which was originally a conventional art then seemed to switch modes into digital editing skills. Implicitly, this reality diminishes the spirit of the community to learn Arabic writing. As a result, the important values contained in the art of calligraphy are no longer heeded by modern calligraphers.

Lastly, Mutawali S.Hum. delivered an equally important presentation on the prospects of making money from calligraphy art and what software is needed in the process. Mutawali S. Hum. is a calligraphy practitioner who in this webinar explained clearly the opportunities for profit that can be obtained by calligraphers. He said that calligraphy skills are very likely to be included in MTQ competitions, design contests, Arabic logo services, book covers, calligraphy printing businesses, and many others. Meanwhile, software that can be used for digital calligraphy includes Adobe Illustrator, procreate, infinite painter, armadine, photoshop, and many more.

The digital calligraphy webinar that was held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 provided valuable insights that it is important to continue to honor and maintain the uniqueness and beauty of traditional calligraphy, while exploring and utilizing the new opportunities offered by digital calligraphy. Thus, calligraphy not only survives but also thrives and provides many new opportunities for calligraphy artists to work hard.

(Hilya Maylaffayza)