Tangerang Selatan, FAH Online News – The Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAH) at the State Islamic University (UIN) has officially established a collaboration with Yayasan Negeri Rempah in a virtual meeting held on February 18, 2025. The event was attended by Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, S. Ag., S.S., M. Hum., CIQnR, Dean of FAH, along with the faculty leadership and academics specializing in Islamic history and civilization studies.

Despite attending the Leadership Work Meeting (Rakerpim) in Bogor, Dr. Ade Abdul Hak remained highly engaged with this strategic agenda. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Usep Abdul Matin, S.Ag., M.A., M.A., Ph.D., Vice Dean III of FAH, who emphasized FAH’s commitment to fostering academic collaborations with various institutions.

Also present at the meeting were Dr. Zakiya Darojat, M.A., Head of the Islamic History and Civilization Study Program, and Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanuddin, M.A., senior lecturer and researcher. The primary focus of the discussion was to strengthen academic collaboration and develop programs based on the historical studies of the Spice Route as part of the Nusantara civilization heritage.

FAH as a Pioneer in Spice Route Studies

In his speech, Prof. Usep Abdul Matin emphasized that FAH plays a crucial role in shaping the historical narrative of the Spice Route as part of Nusantara’s identity and civilization.

"FAH is committed to becoming a leading center for studies that not only analyze the Spice Route from an economic history perspective but also as a civilizational heritage that must continue to be developed through research and academic learning," stated Prof. Usep.

He also highlighted the importance of revitalizing Nusantara’s maritime studies, considering that the archipelago once thrived as a global trade hub.

"Unfortunately, many aspects of our maritime history are gradually being forgotten. Even territorial disputes we face today partly stem from a lack of awareness about our maritime heritage," he added.

The Spice Route as a Symbol of Nusantara Civilization

Dewi Kumoratih, Chairperson of Yayasan Negeri Rempah, in her speech, emphasized that the foundation consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a concern for preserving Nusantara’s historical and cultural heritage.

"One of our main objectives is to establish the Spice Route as a gateway to understanding and introducing Nusantara civilization on a global scale. Prof. Azyumardi Azra was one of the prominent figures who strongly supported this initiative, ensuring that the Spice Route is recognized not only as part of economic history but also as a cultural heritage that must continue to be studied and developed," stated Kumoratih.

She also mentioned that since 2022, Yayasan Negeri Rempah has been collaborating with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in publishing academic proceedings and curating research manuscripts related to the Spice Route. Collaboration with various universities continues to expand to enrich academic research and its implementation through studies and educational programs.

FAH and the Strengthening of Maritime Studies in Nusantara

Aligning with FAH’s vision to advance Spice Route studies, Bram Kushardjanto, a representative of Yayasan Negeri Rempah, emphasized that this collaboration aims to expand the foundation’s academic network with various institutions, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).

"We have also established partnerships with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and institutions in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town, to conduct research on Nusantara scholars who were exiled by the Dutch East India Company (VOC)," explained Bram.

According to him, Nusantara’s maritime studies must be further strengthened so that this nation’s cultural heritage is not just a part of history but also contributes to the formulation of national policies concerning Indonesia’s maritime identity.

Academic Collaboration: MBKM, Internships, and the "Spice Route Journal"

As a tangible step in implementing this collaboration, FAH and Yayasan Negeri Rempah discussed various opportunities for academic partnerships. One of them is the integration of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program through internships and the Community Service Program (KKN) at Yayasan Negeri Rempah.

Irma Zahrotunisa, an alumna of FAH’s Islamic History and Civilization Study Program, emphasized that students should not only focus on academic matters but also actively participate in social and cultural engagements.

"We hope this collaboration serves as a platform for students to develop themselves, not only academically but also through social and cultural involvement," she said.

During the discussion, a proposal emerged to establish an academic journal titled "Spice Route Journal," which is expected to become a primary platform for research and academic publications related to the Spice Route and Nusantara’s maritime civilization.

"Yayasan Negeri Rempah currently has academic proceedings, but in the future, we hope to establish an academic journal that serves as the primary reference for Spice Route studies and Nusantara’s history," added Dewi Kumoratih.

FAH’s Commitment to Maritime and Civilizational Studies in Nusantara

FAH Dean, Dr. Ade Abdul Hak, M. Hum., CIQnR, reaffirmed that FAH will continue its commitment to strengthening Spice Route and Nusantara maritime history studies, both in terms of research, academic publications, and educational programs.

"FAH has established itself as a leading center for Islamic history and civilization studies. Through this collaboration, we are further reinforcing our role in maritime research and the preservation of Nusantara’s cultural heritage," he affirmed.

With this strategic partnership, FAH UIN Jakarta is further solidifying its position as a leading faculty in Islamic history and civilization studies, while contributing to the preservation and development of Nusantara’s intellectual heritage.

Author: Rahmat Mubarroq