Friday, May 31, 2024, the launching and discussion of the book "Arabs in the Archipelago" took place in the Abdul Ghani theater on the 5th floor of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, which was attended by students. The book is the work of L.W.C Van Den Berg which is presented by a historian, Prof. Dr. Zeffry Alkatiri, Professor of History at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanuddin, M.A, and Dr. Johan Wahyudhi, M. Hum as a History Lecturer at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Professor of FIB UI, Prof. Dr. Zeffry Alkatiri revealed how the author of the book compiled it. He observed the scheme and method of research in the early 19th century by Van Den Berg who took the initiative to examine how Arabs socialized in the archipelago. The research used in-depth interviews with key informants assisted by local partners. In chapter 1, the geographical map of Yemen (Hadramaut) that served as the mecca for the Hadrami Arab diaspora is described. Then, chapter 2 describes how social, cultural and political stratification.

Furthermore, Professor of History at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanuddin, M.A, conveyed the excitement of the journey of the Arabs, especially the Abbasids in the archipelago. Where they flooded the archipelago, so many of them built camps or residences in the area. The migration of Arabs in the archipelago resulted in the emergence of various works in the archipelago, therefore they competed to travel around the archipelago for this purpose.

Furthermore, Dr. Johan explained the writing model of the book. Dr. Van Den Berg clearly compiled how the Yemeni society was so that the reader gets many perspectives. Not forgetting the book is also attached to its historical footing. Finally, the History Lecturer expressed his admiration for Van Den Berg in his preparation, "I think it is quite mesmerizing, because the pattern of explanation is very ethnographic".

The event was held smoothly, where the students who came were very enthusiastic about the discussion of the book, so many of them asked directly to the speakers, then closed with a photo with the speakers. 

(Hilya Maylaffayza/ Risa Tania/ Okta Reni Azrina RA)