Kazakhstan from the Eyes of Indonesia: Understanding and Enhancing Long-Term Partnerships

Kazakhstan is known as the ‘Heart of Asia’. A country that is locked by the largest land in the world located in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is a country consisting of vast grasslands, mountains, deserts and oases. In Kazakhstan, various flora and fauna grow. In that country, the beauty of heaven seems to be poured out in one place.

Kazakhstan was originally a nomadic nation. They moved from one place to another, nomadic—an important culture in the history of the journey of human entities before settling down to build settlements, villages, and even cities. Kazakhstan borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan to the southeast, Uzbekistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest, with a coastline along the Caspian Sea. The capital is Astana, while the largest city and leading cultural and commercial center is Almaty.

Understanding Kazakhstan

As an Indonesian, Kazakhstan is a faraway country, but the word 'tan' in the word for the country is often heard in Indonesia. Sometimes, Indonesians confuse Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. However, they generally know that this is a country in Central Asia. Its big cities such as Astana, Almaty, Qaragandy, Qsymkent, Atyrau, and Oskemen are rarely known, except for Astana and Almaty which often appear in various news.

Since ancient times, Kazakhstan has had a culture of taming horses by the Botai people, an important culture that will later be useful for playing a role and synergizing globally. The Botai population is mostly ancestral to a population that is very closely related to Europe known as Ancient North Eurasia, and also displays some Ancient East Asian mixtures. Pastoralism developed during the Neolithic period. The population was Caucasoid in the Bronze and Iron Ages. The Kazakh region is a major constituent of the Eurasian Steppe Trade Route, the ancestor of the terrestrial Silk Road. Archaeologists believe that humans first domesticated horses on the vast grasslands of the region.

Kazakhstan was one of the destinations for exiled and convicted persons, as well as mass resettlement, or deportation influenced by the central authorities of the Soviet Union during the 1930s and 1940s, such as some 400,000 Volga Germans (deported from the Volga German Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic), later Greeks and Crimean Tatars. According to information, deportees and prisoners were held in some of the largest Soviet labor camps (Gulags). The Soviet-German War (1941–1945) resulted in increased industrialization and mineral extraction to support the war effort. However, at the time of Joseph Stalin's death in 1953, Kazakhstan still had a largely agricultural economy.

On 25 October 1990, Kazakhstan declared its sovereignty over its territory as a republic within the Soviet Union. Following a failed coup attempt in Moscow in August 1991, Kazakhstan declared independence on 16 December 1991, becoming the last Soviet republic to do so. Ten days later, the Soviet Union ceased to exist. Kazakhstan’s communist-era leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, became the country’s first president.

Kazakhstan has the second-largest reserves of uranium, chromium, lead, and zinc; the third-largest reserves of manganese; the fifth-largest reserves of copper; and ranks in the top ten for coal, iron, and gold. It is also a diamond exporter. Perhaps most significantly for its economic development, Kazakhstan also has the 11th-largest proven reserves of oil and natural gas. One such location is the Tokarevsko gas condensate field.

One of the attractions for tourists to Kazakhstan is the Bektau-Ata Pass. It attracts not only tourists but also locals. Bektau-Ata is a real oasis in the semi-desert. There is also the Tokrau underground river here that provides fresh water to the entire city. Bektau-Ata translates as ‘mountain of the old saint Bek’. Scientists say that there was a volcano in the Paleozoic era, but it could not come out of the earth.

It is said that many years ago a holy elder lived in a village on the Bektau-Ata tract. One day the enemy came to this place and the locals had to leave their homes. But they could not cross the river. Then the elder waved his hand and the river split into two parts, so that the locals could cross to the other side. The locals continued their journey, but the saint went to a cave in the mountain. In parting he said: “This is your land. I retire to a cave in the mountain. If you need anything - come to the cave and tell your wishes.”

Locals often come to this place to rest. The main attraction of the Bektau-Ata tract is the Amangeldi cave. It is always cool here in any season, even in hot weather. Due to the increase in condensate, a lake with fresh water appeared. The length of the cave is more than 30 meters. To get to the lake, you have to overcome winding paths and steep climbs.

In terms of religion, according to the 2021 census, 69.3% of the population is Muslim, 17.2% is Christian, 0.2% adheres to other religions (mostly Buddhism and Judaism), 11.01% chose not to answer, and 2.25% identify as atheists. Kazakhstan is a secular state whose constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Article 39 of the constitution states: “Human rights and freedoms shall not be restricted in any way.” Article 14 prohibits “discrimination on the basis of religion” and Article 19 ensures that everyone “has the right to determine and indicate or not to indicate his ethnic, party and religious affiliation.”

Islam is the largest religion in Kazakhstan, followed by Eastern Orthodox Christianity. After decades of religious oppression by the Soviet Union, the advent of independence saw a surge in the expression of ethnic identity, in part through religion. The freedom to practice religious beliefs and the realization of full religious freedom led to an increase in religious activity. Hundreds of mosques, churches and other religious buildings were built over the years, and the number of religious associations increased from 670 in 1990 to 4,170 today.

Some figures suggest that non-denominational Muslims are the majority, while others suggest that the vast majority of Muslims in the country are Sunni Muslims of the Hanafi school. This includes ethnic Kazakhs, who make up about 70% of the population, as well as Uzbeks, Uighurs and Tatars. Less than 1% are part of the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam (mainly Chechens). There are also a few Ahmadi Muslims. There are a total of 2,300 mosques, all affiliated with the Spiritual Association of Muslims of Kazakhstan, headed by a supreme mufti. Unaffiliated mosques have been forced to close.

Understanding Kazakhstan's profile is quite important as a basis for building long-term partnerships between countries, between business actors or between communities.

Indonesia-Kazakhstan Cooperation

Indonesia and Kazakhstan have close cooperation, at least in several areas as follows. The following are several areas that have been running or are being developed by the two countries. These areas are important to maintain and even develop for the benefit of both countries.

First, trade.

Indonesia and Kazakhstan are committed to increasing cooperation between the two countries in the field of trade. This commitment was revealed when Vice President Jusuf Kalla met with Kazakhstan Prime Minister Bakhytzhan Abdiruly Sagintayev at his office on Jalan Mangilik Yel Avenue No. 6 Astana, Kazakhstan (2017), one day before the opening of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in the Field of Science and Technology.

At the meeting, the Indonesian Vice President offered cooperation in the field of developing Islamic finance. Currently, there are at least more than 15 Islamic banks developing in Indonesia. According to PM Sagintayev, one of the reasons for the low trade volume between Indonesia and Kazakhstan is the considerable distance between the two countries. However, he continued, this obstacle can be overcome by building an economic corridor by utilizing the Kazakhstan-China railway line so that logistics costs can be reduced. Kazakhstan even welcomed the offer of cooperation in the field of Islamic banking considering that Kazakhstan is currently preparing itself to become a center of Islamic finance in the Central Asian sub-region.

Important information related to this is that halal products from 20 halal industry companies in Indonesia were the prima donna at the 2023 Halal Expo held in Kazakhstan's business and financial center in Almaty. The international exhibition was organized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (Muftyat) of Kazakhstan and was attended by more than a hundred halal product manufacturing companies from Kazakhstan and a number of foreign countries, including Indonesia. The exhibition was opened by the Grand Mufti of Kazakhstan, Sheikh Nauryzbai Haji Taganuly.

As the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia observes that Halal has now become a global standard quality, even a lifestyle. For this reason, President Jokowi and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin announced a policy to make Indonesia a global halal hub in 2024, and it will likely continue to grow during the leadership of Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka after being inaugurated in October 2024.

Regarding the halal expo, Indonesia presents a variety of Indonesian halal products, including food and beverage products, coffee, chocolate, traditional drinks, herbal supplements, home care products, cosmetics and Muslim fashion. Thousands of people have visited the Halal Expo 2023 exhibition and during the event many crowded the Indonesian booth. In fact, a number of Kazakh entrepreneurs and distributors have expressed their serious interest in importing Indonesian Halal products to Kazakhstan.

The wheels of the Indonesian sharia economy and halal industry continue to move to fill the global halal market. Currently, Indonesia's sharia economic indicators continue to improve, ranking 4th in the world, as recorded by The State Global Islamic Economy Report 2022. The main drivers of sharia economic growth include the large population of the world's Muslims, increasing awareness of Islamic values ​​in consuming halal products, and increasing national strategies and programs dedicated to the development of halal products and services.

The Indonesian Embassy in Astana has promoted Indonesian culinary, craft products and culture at the International Day event organized by QSI International School, May 26, 2017, in Astana. The "International Day" event is an annual activity held by QSI International School. This event was attended by at least 10 foreign representatives in Kazakhstan and attended by hundreds of students from QSI International School.

The Indonesian Embassy in Astana even involved the Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI Astana organization and the Indonesian diaspora in Kazakhstan as the main driving force to support their participation in this event. The Indonesian stand served various typical Indonesian culinary snacks such as mud cakes, rolled dadar, otak-otak, bakwan, risoles and various other traditional cakes. In addition, the Indonesian stand displayed and distributed typical Indonesian crafts, including batik wallets, wayang bookmarks, batik key chains, pencils with wayang ornaments and various other typical Indonesian handicrafts.

Second, interfaith dialogue.

The 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religion was held in the capital of Kazakhstan, Nur Sultan on Wednesday and Thursday (14-15/09/2022). The congress, which was held at the Independence Palace, was attended by around 100 delegates from 50 countries, including Catholic spiritual leader Pope Francis, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayyeb, Head of Ashkenazi Israel Rabbi David Lau and Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Yahya Cholil Staquf.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kasyim Jomart Tokayev said in his opening remarks that the congress, which was first held in 2003, is a forum for dialogue between civilizations at the global level considering that Kazakhstan has long been a bridge between the West and the East. The Kazakh land has been a bridge between the West and the East for centuries. This has been seen since the nomadic kingdoms crossed the vast grasslands here, he said.

Pope Francis said that conflicts should not be resolved with weapons and threats, but with dialogue. The Pope invited us to contribute together, in this case: not with more weapons, but with education. The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed El-Tayyeb said that what is needed now is mutual understanding between religions and respect for humanity. According to him, it is time for us not to talk about uniting all religions into one religion. That is a fantasy. We are talking about how to strengthen social ties between religions and respect between humans.

Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of PBNU, KH Yahya Cholil Staquf conveyed the importance of dialogue to resolve various problems in the world. According to him, we must sit together to discuss all problems with an open heart to find out the root of the problem. We must continue interfaith dialogue like this.

The Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, Dr. Mochamad Fadjroel Rachman appreciated the activities carried out every three years by the Kazakh government by gathering all religious leaders from around the world to discuss the importance of the brotherhood of all mankind.

In this activity, all religious leaders united to call for brotherhood and the need to avoid violence in solving problems in the world. This is in line with the Indonesian constitution which calls for implementing world order based on freedom, eternal peace, and social justice.

Third, infrastructure.

Head of the Indonesian Capital Authority (OIKN) Bambang Susantono together with the Governor of the Capital City of Astana Zhenis Kassymbek signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the sister capital city or so-called twin city implementation. With this MoU, the development of the IKN located in East Kalimantan will adopt the city development in Astana, Kazakhstan. The signing of the MoU confirms the increasingly close bilateral relations between Indonesia and Kazakhstan for 30 years.

The cooperation between the two countries will cover various fields such as economy, energy, transportation, city management, and culture. This is the most beautiful gift of 30 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Kazakhstan. Before the signing of the MoU, the Head of OIKN together with the delegates had the opportunity to visit the monitoring center to see the traffic in the city of Astana, city security, and the Astana city planning center.

The Head of OIKN received a detailed explanation and discussed the historical background and stages of the development of the city of Astana from Chikanayev Amanzhol, a senior urban design expert involved in the development of the capital city of Astana. In his statement, the Governor of Astana explained his experience in building the new capital of Kazakhstan which has been carried out for 25 years, from the previous one in Almaty City. The success of this development can certainly be applied in Indonesia in developing the archipelago.

Fourth, agriculture.

As fellow members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Indonesia and Kazakhstan have shown a strong commitment to cooperate in the field of agriculture. This can be seen from the bilateral meeting between the Indonesian and Kazakhstan Ministries of Agriculture on the sidelines of the 2nd General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In the meeting, it was agreed on the importance of sharing expertise and experience, as well as the transfer of knowledge and technology, so that various problems in the agricultural sector faced by the two countries can be overcome. As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia feels it is important to take a strategic role through cooperation between Indonesia and Kazakhstan in food and agricultural development.

Indonesia hopes that this cooperation will later have a positive economic impact on Indonesia and Kazakhstan. Both parties emphasized that they would immediately follow up on bilateral cooperation through the formation of a working group in the future.

Fifth, pharmacy.

BPOM is increasingly increasing cooperation with various partner countries. One of them is through the Knowledge Sharing webinar activity with the Kazakhstan Drug Regulatory Authority, the National Center for Expertise of Medicines and Medical Devices (NCEMMD). This opportunity is a means for both institutions to share information and experiences regarding Good Drug Manufacturing Methods in each country. BPOM also shared experiences as a member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme and achievements in the WHO Global Benchmarking assessment.

BPOM and NCEMMD also conveyed the latest developments in drug standards and regulations, including those related to drug registration policies in each country. This exchange of information is important to support easy access to drug products that can strengthen cooperation between pharmaceutical business actors from each country. This discussion is a manifestation of BPOM's commitment to encourage collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry in both countries and increase opportunities for exporting Indonesian pharmaceutical products to Kazakhstan.

Sixth, tourism.

West Manggarai Regency is attractive as a destination for the people of Kazakhstan. There is Labuan Bajo which is very interesting. In 2023, the number of tourists from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan visiting Labuan Bajo will increase drastically. In 2022, the number was only 1,878 tourists. While in 2023, the number was 7,308, an increase of 389 percent. Of that number, of course, most of them came to Labuan Bajo.

Labuan Bajo tourism has recently become increasingly popular, inseparable from the direct intervention of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo. Labuan Bajo has recently been used as a place to hold national and international activities, such as the ASEAN Summit. Cooperation with the West Manggarai Regency government, in the form of promoting Labuan Bajo tourism in Kazakhstan, is important to implement, because in 2023, the number of tourists from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan visiting Labuan Bajo will increase drastically.

The promotion of Labuan Bajo in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan is intended so that Indonesia in general and Labuan Bajo in particular can become a dream vacation for citizens of Kazakhstan and Tajikistan in the future. Currently there is an Interline Connection flight Almaty-Bali via Incheon supported by Air Astana and Garuda Indonesia.

Seventh, Education.

The Aktobe Government in Kazakhstan also fully supports efforts to establish cooperation in other fields such as efforts to increase people-to-people contact through cooperation between universities. An important piece of information, for example, is that the International Relations Study Program of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UPN Veteran Jakarta, for example, has completed the final stage of preparation to open a Joint Degree program with the Department of International Relations at Ablaikhan University of International Relations and World Language, Kazakhstan. The finalization process of this international cooperation was carried out at the Ablaikhan University campus, Almaty Kazakhstan, through a direct visit from the delegation of the International Relations Study Program, FISIP UPN Veteran Jakarta on February 19-22, 2024.

As we know, cooperation will not be possible without mutual knowledge and understanding. Therefore, it is important for the people of Indonesia and Kazakhstan to understand each other. Cooperation between the two countries is very important, even though they are separated by a considerable distance. When meeting the Kazakh Ambassador to Indonesia H.E. Serzhan Abdykarimov, together with the delegation of the Indonesian Ulama Council in mid-June in Jakarta, I feel that the closeness between Kazakhstan and Indonesia is important to be maintained and developed in several sectors above, including in the exchange of knowledge and synergy between religious figures in Indonesia and Kazakhstan.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

Strengthening Indonesia-Uzbekistan Relations

“Uzbekistan is the heart of the silk road. For thousands of years, this Central Asian country has been a gathering place for people, products and ideas. The names Samarkand and Bukhara evoke romantic and fairytale images in our collective minds, even though we cannot place them on a map,” Uzbekistan's Tourism Ambassador to the UK, Sophie Ibbotson, wrote for halaltravels.com.

For Muslim travelers, Uzbekistan is a land with a very distinctive appeal. Imam Bukhari, author of the Sahih Bukhari hadith collection was born here; Bahauddin Naqsyabandi, founder of the Naqshbandi order, is buried outside Bukhara; and the tomb of Kusam Ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, is in the Shah-i Zinda cemetery in Samarkand. More than 90 percent of modern Uzbekistan's population is Muslim, and its mosques, madrassas, minarets, and tiled mausoleums (maqbarah, graves shaped like monuments) are architectural hallmarks of the exotic country and gateway to Central Asia.

Indonesia's strategic position for Uzbekistan

Indonesia is a strategic market in Southeast Asia and ASEAN that continues to grow and develop, Uzbekistan believes. As the Chair of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Indonesia promotes “Epicenter of Growth” as the spirit of ASEAN, and it leads Indonesia after previously leading the G20. Indonesia is also Uzbekistan's main partner in promoting world values of democracy and good governance, as well as increasing trade and investment cooperation.

Indonesia is home to the world's largest Muslim population of the Ahlussunnah Waljama'ah or Sunni-a school of Islamic theology attributed to Ash'ariah and Maturidiah. The majority of Uzbekistanis follow the Hanafi school of thought, the first school to emerge among Sunnis and attributed to its founding mujtahid, Abu Hanifah (699-767 AD). Meanwhile, the Syafi'i madhhab, which is the majority in Indonesia, is the madhhab attributed to Imam Syafi'i (767-820 AD). The Hanafi and Shafi'i madhhabs are two of the four madhhabs in Sunni, in addition to Hambali, which is attributed to Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (780-855 AD) and Maliki, which is attributed to Imam Malik bin Anas (711-795 AD). The closeness of Muslim identity is certainly an added value that can be utilized for long-term strategic partnerships. 

Dutch anthropologist Martin van Bruinessen believes that the majority of Muslims on the silk route - such as Uzbekistan - adhere to the Hanafi school of thought, while the spice route - such as Indonesia - mostly adheres to the Shafi'i school of thought. Martin said this when giving a public lecture at Nahdhlatul Ulama University of Indonesia (Unusia), quoted by NU Online, April 25, 2021. Martin added that the central part of India adheres to the Hanafi school, but coastal India adheres to the Shafi'i school, such as Malebari. Parts of China adhere to the Hanafi school, while Yemen is more Shafi'i. Indonesia as a maritime country through which the spice route passed also adheres to the Shafi'i school of thought.

During a visit to the Central Office of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), in Jakarta, Monday (28/8/2023), Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan H.E. Mr. Muzaffar Kamilov mentioned the importance of collaboration between Indonesia - in this case the Indonesian Ulema Council - and Uzbekistan in various sectors such as Muslim tourism pilgrimages, research, training imams and preachers, to sharing halal standards and experiences related to fatwas. Regarding fatwas, the Indonesian Ulema Council has issued various fatwas as a solution to the problems of the ummah. The MUI Leadership Council has even published a 1433-page thick book by Prof. Dr. H. Hasanuddin AF, MA and Prof. Dr. HM. Asrorun Ni'am Sholeh, MA entitled “The Dynamics of MUI Fatwa in a Decade: A Portrait of the MUI Fatwa Commission 2010-2020” (Republika Books, 2021).

In summary, this book explains in full starting from the mechanism of fatwa work, strengthening the methodology of fatwa determination, as well as the fatwa study thought conference, a 'sunnah' to maintain the academic tradition that is still ongoing today. The character of MUI fatwa is contextual and moderate. Related to the cooperation 'proposal' offered by Mr. Kamilov, MUI can share its long experience in fatwa issuance in Indonesia.

Uzbekistan also sees Indonesia as the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 10th largest economy in the world. The main components of Indonesia's imports from Uzbekistan are products such as cotton, motor vehicle engines, sulfur, raisins, copper sulfate, potassium chloride, cotton pulp and cotton fiber. Indonesia has made great progress in poverty alleviation, more than halving the poverty rate since 1999, to below 10 percent in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, with more than 270 million people, and is expected to become the world's 7th largest economy by 2030. Furthermore, Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country that is a member of the G20, which is an international economic cooperation forum.

Bilaterally, Uzbekistan supports Indonesia in many ways, such as Indonesia's candidacy as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Committee/WHC) for the period 2015-2019; Indonesia's candidacy as a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Part III for the period 2017-2021; Indonesia's candidacy as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for the period 2017-2020 and Indonesia's candidacy as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council for the period 2019-2020.

Uzbekistan's strategic position for Indonesia

For Indonesia, Uzbekistan's location in the heart of Central Asia is very strategic and rich in history and culture. Uzbekistan's economy continues to grow in the region and is a shining force between Europe and Asia. According to the Indonesian Embassy in Tashkent, Indonesia's priority cooperation with Uzbekistan is related to increasing trade cooperation, as a partner for global cooperation, security cooperation, namely counterterrorism, prevention of drug trafficking and prevention of other transnational crimes. Then, the development of parliamentary cooperation and increasing people to people contact.

Indonesia and Uzbekistan have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) to maximize the economic relations between the two countries which have great potential. Indonesia is a producer of many tropical agribusiness products such as coffee, bananas, rubber, and crude palm oil (CPO). The increasing use of renewable energy has a positive impact on CPO as one of the most efficient biofuels, according to a Ministry of Trade release on May 25, 2021. Uzbekistan needs tropical fruits such as bananas, dragon fruit, avocados, and coffee for consumption and industrial raw materials. The establishment of sister cities between cities in Uzbekistan and tropical fruit-producing regions in Indonesia is very constructive for relations between the two countries.

Other major exports from Uzbekistan are refrigeration machine components, shortening (solid fat for bread dough), non-woven textiles, black tea, soap, women's clothing, canned tuna, and others. Another potential market is that Uzbekistan is a land lock country, which does not have a sea and therefore often cooperates with a number of countries that have ports such as Russia. Currently, Uzbekistan is planning the construction of a transportation route in the form of a combination of railways and roads from Uzbekistan to Russia and from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan to Pakistan. On this side, the Ministry of Trade release continued, Indonesian construction sector SOEs have a great opportunity to participate in development in Uzbekistan.

In several meetings between MUI and Uzbekistan, Bung Karno's name was often mentioned by Uzbek delegates with great respect. This means that Bung Karno's role in finding Imam Bukhari's tomb in Samarkand was strategic and touched the hearts of the Uzbek people in the long run. Bung Karno had been to Uzbekistan twice, in 1956 and 1961. Imam Bukhori's name is important in Islamic history because he recorded thousands of Prophetic traditions that we read, study, and even memorize today. Imam Bukhari's mausoleum complex is located in the village of Hartang, about 25 kilometers from Samarkand and is one of the tourist destinations for Muslims around the world.

The closeness between Indonesia and Uzbekistan continues today. On December 28, 1991, Indonesia recognized the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations were established on June 23, 1992, signed by Uzbek President Islam Karimov during his official visit to Indonesia. On April 8-9, 1995 President Suharto visited Uzbekistan. Indonesia opened its embassy in Tashkent in May 1994, and reciprocated two years later with the opening of the Uzbekistan embassy in Jakarta in December 1996. In general, Indonesia's main interest in Uzbekistan is as a partner of mutual support in regional and international fora and a partner in promoting Indonesian culture and values of democracy or good governance.

Religious Cooperation and Muslim Tourism

The Indonesian Ulema Council needs to build strategic partnerships with religious institutions in Uzbekistan, such as the Moslem Board of Uzbekistan. A delegation of BKSAP and Commission I of the House of Representatives held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, the Parliament of Uzbekistan and the Chairman of the Moslem Board of Uzbekistan to discuss prospects for parliamentary cooperation as a second track diplomacy to realize people-to-people contact on 1-2 May 2013. There was also the visit of the Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Jakarta, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar to Uzbekistan (December 1-7, 2017) to meet the Religious Affairs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

On April 3-8, 2018, a delegation of Commission X of the House of Representatives led by Deputy Chairman of Commission X Abdul Fikri Faqih visited Uzbekistan to discuss the development of cultural tourism, religious tourism and halal tourism. The delegation met with Chairman of the Senate Foreign Policy Committee A. Kurmanov, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Foreign Relations Committee Sh. Tursunbayev, and Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Aziz Abdukhakimov.

In addition, on December 17-20, 2017, a delegation of the Religious Affairs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan led by the Head of the Department of Mosque Affairs of the Religious Affairs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Zulkhaydar Sultonov, visited Indonesia to meet with the Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, the Chairman of the Indonesian Cement Company, the heads of Hajj and Umrah companies, and representatives of the Naqsabandi order in Indonesia, as well as visiting Indonesian tourist sites. As a country rich in Islamic heritage, there are many destinations that Indonesian Muslims can choose from. Sophie Ibbotson explores these destinations well in her writings. One of the most familiar in Indonesia is the 'Imam Bukhari factor' as a Muslim tourist attraction. Imam Bukhari was born in Bukhara, and buried in the village of Hartang. He has collected thousands of traditions in his famous book, Sahih al-Bukhari. The magnificent Imam Bukhari complex is arguably the most important pilgrimage site in Uzbekistan.

The Madain Project, an online archive project related to Abrahamic History and Archaeology writes that in Soviet times Imam Bukhari's tomb was generally neglected and forgotten. Post-communism, visitation and interest revived, and the complex was restored after rebuilding in the late 16th century. When it was discovered, at Sukarno's request, the condition of Imam Bukhari's tomb was unkempt. But for the sake of Bung Karno's visit, the Soviet leader finally instructed that the tomb be restored and beautified. “In 1961, Indonesian President Sukarno visited Imam Bukhari's tomb in Samarkand. Sukarno made this special request to Nikita Khrushchev during his official visit to the Soviet Union. For the Soviet Union, which was communist at the time, it was not easy to find Imam Bukhari's long-forgotten tomb. The Soviet Union made various efforts to find the tomb of the hadith narrator by collecting information from Muslim parents around Samarkand,” wrote the Madain Project.

In connection with the 1225th anniversary of Imam Bukhari, the Madain Project continued, according to the decision of the Uzbek government, in 1998 a new memorial complex was built on the site of the old mausoleum. The modern memorial complex of Imam Bukhari consists of a mausoleum, a mosque, office buildings and other buildings around the courtyard. The Imam Bukhari complex occupies 10 hectares of land. The entrance to this marvelous sight is taken through a one-story building of baked bricks. The building includes three portal domes with arched passages.

Uzbekistan also offers the Samanid Mausoleum, built between 892 and 943. Its cube-shaped structure is said to have been inspired by the Kaaba in Mecca, but it also features original Zoroastrian motifs. The design of Mazar-e Quaid, the tomb of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Pakistan, was inspired by this building. There are also destinations associated with Bahauddin Naqshbandi, the founder of the Naqshbandi order—one of the largest Sufi orders. The complex around his tomb dates mostly from the 16th century and features several beautifully decorated buildings. Muslims from all over Central Asia come here to pray and listen to religious teachings, although tourists of all faiths are welcome to visit.

Another interesting attraction is the Tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas—the 7th-century bringer of Islam to Central Asia—located in Samarkand. The Prophet Muhammad claimed that his cousin Kusam ibn Abbas resembled him more than anyone else on earth. University of Washington Central Asia researcher Daniel C. Waugh writes that Ibn Battuta was particularly interested in recording important holy sites and his interactions with Muslim religious leaders. It seems significant, therefore, that the only Muslim holy site in Samarkand that he chose to describe was the Tomb of Qutham (Dusty) ibn Abbas, in the Shah-i Zinde complex.

There is also a tomb in Samarkand that is unlike any other. Every morning, writes Rustam Qobil, hundreds of people climb a hilltop on the outskirts of the city to visit the tomb, surrounded by pistachio and apricot trees amid the ruins of the old city. It is the Tomb of Daniel, which is visited by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike. The sarcophagus of Daniel’s tomb is covered with velvet embroidered with verses from the Quran, and is more than 18 meters long.

Strengthening cooperation

Rustam Qobil wrote “Uzbekistan: Land of a thousand shrines” (BBC, September 16, 2018) that Uzbekistan has a high spirit to make its country a destination for religious tourism for Muslims around the world, thus. That is why Uzbekistan is very enthusiastic about offering tourist destinations there. Uzbekistan was once destroyed during the invasion of Genghis Khan from the Mongols in the 13th century, 1219-1225. Cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, and Termez were looted by them. The conquest caused most of its historical architecture to be destroyed into ruins.

Ibn Battuta, a Muslim scholar and traveler from Morocco once visited Samarkand, one of the largest and best cities at that time, and noted—as quoted by Daniel C. Waugh (2000): “… there used to be large palaces on the banks (of the river), and buildings that witnessed the history of the noble aspirations of the city's inhabitants, but most of them have been destroyed, and most of the city itself has also collapsed. This city has no city walls, no gates, and there are gardens inside.” Now, after 8 centuries, Uzbekistan has become a famous country again, a gateway to Central Asia.

The strategic and distinctive position of Uzbekistan prompted the MUI Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Commission to create the 'Muslim Tour Uzbekistan' program. An 'intellectual-religious tourism' program takes the form of a pilgrimage in the footsteps of hadith expert imams and Muslim scientists such as Imam Bukhari, Abu Mansur Al Maturidi, Bahauddin Naqsyabandi in the cities of Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Mt. Chimgan.

Relations between Indonesia and Uzbekistan need to continue to be improved and strengthened through various cooperation programs. The Indonesian Ulema Council as shadiqul hukumah (government partner) needs to continue to support various Indonesia-Uzbekistan collaborations, be it religious, such as halal fatwas, halal tourism, or educational collaboration with various campuses in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek people, as elaborated by the prominent Uzbek poet, thinker, statesman Nizamiddin Mir Alisher Navoi, are full of high-quality values ​​such as justice, mutual acceptance and generosity, respect for elders, compassion and the desire to help those in need, friendship between nations, contribution towards the prosperity of the homeland, and the importance of educating the younger generation as individuals who develop harmoniously in the world.

"If it is said that heaven can be seen in this world, then the heaven of this world is Samarkand," said the Persian historian, Ata' Malik Juvaini: "If it is said that a paradise is to be seen in this world, then the paradise of this world is Samarkand.” We in Indonesia also believe the same, that a piece of heaven on earth is in Indonesia. Uzbekistan is famous on the silk road, an ancient trade route connecting China and the Mediterranean, and Indonesia is also famous for its spice route that shaped the socio-culture of the Nusantara community. Therefore, it is important for the people of Uzbekistan and Indonesia to explore each other, visit each other, and elevate the main values ​​of both countries.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

https://www.indopos.co.id/nasional/2023/10/02/memperkuat-relasi-indonesia-uzbekistan/

Indonesia-Morocco, Inspiration from Ibn Battutah's Travel

At the afternoon, my conversation with friends about Morocco and Indonesia came to the figure of Ibn Battutah (24 February 1304 – 1368/1369). An adventurer who, when he was just past the age of 2, was determined to travel the world. From Morocco, the man traveled to several cities in North Africa all the way to Mecca. Battutah's goal is to perform the Hajj, one of the fifth pillars of Islam, as well as a pilgrimage to the grave of the best man in world history, Rasulullah Muhammad SAW. From there, Battutah continued his journey to other cities such as Damascus, Yemen, Somalia, and even India.

In India, he was appointed as a judge because of his extensive knowledge and being a pious person. This brave man spent several years in India, then was sent as a diplomat to China. Before arriving in China, he stopped by Samudra Pasai. A participant in the discussion that afternoon told me that the name Fak-Fak in Papua was related to Waq-Waq mentioned by Battutah, and some even said that the name "Irian" also came from him.

After the chat that afternoon, I read a book about Battutah. The title is The Travels of Ibn Battuta: in the Near East, Asia and Africa, 1325-1354 (Dover Books, 2014) by Ibn Battuta translated and edited by Rev. Samuel Lee. The character of Battuta in the book is described at least three, namely: Brave, Religious and Diligent. 

The man impressed many people because of his great courage. It is impossible for a coward to go far. Only the brave can go through the waves, across the desert and mountains. He is also a person who has high faith in his religion. In some districts that he passed, the man also sought pious and intelligent people to learn from. And, he was also diligent and tireless in carrying out his journey around the world. More than 30 years of Battutah's wandering and from there his travel notes were written and are still read by us today.

This afternoon's chat became a great story from a great person about 7 centuries ago. Of the many people in the past 7 centuries, perhaps we know some name, but Battutah's name is legendary. His name is even said to be more awesome in travel than other adventurers such as Marcopolo, Vasco Da Gama, and so on in ocean exploration missions.

One person who was present in the chat that afternoon was the Moroccan envoy to Indonesia. As an architect, he was a rational and likes to get to the point. One of the diplomacy he brought was through the story between us (Indonesia and Morocco). That both countries have history, especially related to Ibn Battutah. Imagine: a young man at that time, the world explorer whose name is now "connector" of partnership between the two countries.

Morocco loves to tell stories about its great people, and we in Indonesia are also happy because we were visited by great people from there. A chat participant also said, "..I once taught Indonesian in Morocco for 1 year." Hearing that, the envoy felt closer, that the closeness between the two countries was not only a matter of historical and reading proximity but also "we once lived there." After all, the experience of having lived in a place has a different impression than just knowing from news, or reading.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

Night, Moon and Memories

It is said that the best time to reflect is at night. The most universal sign of night is darkness. This means that when it is dark is the best time to reflect. Usually people reflect on their lives, reflect on their past, the good and the bad, and the determination to create a better life tomorrow.

When I was a student, I experienced "night meditation" when in our dormitory we woke up in one room. After waking up, each of us then gave advice to the other friends. The advice could probably be given during the day but it felt better to give it at night, especially after waking up, around 12 o'clock and above. The advice from fellow friends left an impression as a form of love from one brother to another.

When following the procession to move up a level in the Tapak Suci martial arts, at that time I also--if I remember correctly--slept on a grave. At that time we slept, were woken up, and after arriving at the Tanah Kusir Cemetery, we were taken with our eyes closed to a large grave. There we were asked to sleep. Some were crying, but some were just quiet--between fear, trembling, and being sure that because we were in a crowd there was nothing to be afraid of. Courage does sometimes come from crowds.

As far as I can remember, I didn't cry when I was asked to sleep in the cemetery. Maybe because since elementary school I was used to coming home late. Sometimes I came home from studying beside the Tobelo Grand Mosque at 10, several times at 11 and 12. On the way I saw one or two people drinking alcohol, some had even collapsed in front of a shop. I walked to the Old Market, to the right of it was an old cemetery. It is said that the market used to be a place for people to die, people said.

One time, when I was about to knock on the door of my house, I saw someone standing under the lamp. He just looked at me without any expression. I held the Quran tightly to my chest, while praying, especially the Throne Verse and several short verses, hopefully not disturbed by spirits. I still remember his personification until now, but I try to erase it that it might just be my imagination. Even though I saw him clearly. After entering the house, I immediately went to bed.

When I worked in the Thamrin area, I also often came home late. Everyone was gone, I was still in front of the computer. Occasionally looking at the high-rise buildings through the window. When I was actively working at an institution, I also used to come home late. One night, one of the doors slid. It seemed like someone had come in but no one was there. I checked and there was nothing. Or maybe it was just the wind passing by.

In another place, there was a security guard who said that he was also sometimes disturbed by the alien creature. Once when he was praying Isha, there was a noise nearby. After he moved, the sound was gone. There was also a standing banner that fell by itself and stood up by itself. That was seen in front of the security guard's eyes. "Sir, if you want to try, try it here at night," he said. I replied, "Ah, no. I'll just stay here until the afternoon." The security guard said, they actually just wanted to say that they were there too. They didn't harm me, they just wanted to convey their existence.

During scouting, we sometimes do night activities. I remember when I was in Sukabumi. At that time, we even felt the cold water near the waterfall where we were. I, who sometimes can't stand the cold, had to endure the cold. Scouting teaches us to be in all fields, hot or cold, day or night.

One of the series of new student processions--when I was a participant or committee--was the night event. Sometimes at night like that we would wake up new students. Someone would advise them, remind them of their sins or mistakes in the past. Then also remind them of their sins towards their parents. Among the students, some would cry, even one person crying would provoke others to cry too. The activity became a kind of "reflection" or an activity to reflect on our own lives to achieve a higher awareness to become a better person.

The night is indeed full of reflections and memories. When I was little, after Isha prayers I usually heard from the ships that docked at the harbor they played nostalgic songs. Among those songs was "lelaki dan rembulan", a song that I always remember when I was alone in bed. When I missed my parents, my hometown, I sometimes sang that song on the top bunk while crying softly. I remember the times when at night I asked my father to wake me up because there was a good movie. At that time I slept on a wooden floor blown by the sea breeze blowing from the Morotai Sea, maybe from the Philippines, or from the Pacific Ocean.

Now, my oldest child is in the third grade of high school. My wife reminds me that I am no longer a teenager; not young. Sometimes I look in the mirror, or I look in the mirror at my friends' photos. "Oh, we are not young anymore." One by one we look older, with white hair and wrinkles appearing on our faces. Very different from when we were teenagers when we were still so serenely singing this song:

Di pondok kecil di pantai ombak
Berbuih putih beralun-alun
Di pondok kecil di pantai ombak
Berbuih putih beralun-alun
Dipondok kecil di pantai ombak
Berbuih putih beralun-alun

(In a small hut on the beach of the waves
White foam rolling in the square
In a small hut on the beach of the waves
White foam rolling in the square
In a small hut on the beach of the waves
White foam rolling in the square)

Or, when we faintly hear songs from the cinema not far from where we study the Koran. A song sung by Bryan Adams:

Look into my eyes
You will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart
Search your soul
And when you find me there
You'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it, there's nothin' I want more
You know it's true
Everything I do
I do it for you

Among those songs we remember a friend who used to sing for us. That friend loved English--at a time when we didn't like English. That friend also sometimes sang his favorite song from MLTR. He knew not just one but several songs by heart.

"Lelaki dan rembulan", "di pondok kecil", Bryan Adams and MLTR accompanied our teenage years. We were also accompanied by other songs from the 1990s period approaching the second millennium in 2000. Nasida Ria said: "The year two thousand years of hope, which is full of challenges and anxiety. Oh young people and teenagers, come on, prepare yourselves!"

Some of those memorable quotes are still in our minds until now. One of the good quotes in a notebook that I remember until now, goes like this: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." I just found out that it was a sentence from John Keats.

Sometimes, on lonely nights we are reminded of life's achievements that have not been completed. We make life plans, want this and that, some have been achieved and some have not. All of that guides us, and sometimes becomes a "burden" for us. Moreover, living in a city like this, we sometimes have to increase self-reflection, because not everything can be grasped easily.

There are people who can grasp something easily. But some others have to go through thickets of knowledge, challenges of experience, and difficulties that come and go. We sometimes compare ourselves to others; we have only just gotten this but others have gotten that. But the more we compare, the more we hurt ourselves. Perhaps the wisest way to respond to life's achievements is to return to the zero point that "man tries, God determines."

Day after day has passed, time after time has also passed. Every day we pass time. Sometimes we are negligent with time, sometimes we succeed in passing it. Regardless of our negligence or success in diving into time, there is always time to improve. If we didn't have time before, maybe now is the time to change. The more we realize that we must continue to improve, the better it is to achieve personal authenticity and self-maturity.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

Humans, the Conquerors of the Earth

Until the 21st century, the story of humans has not been far from the conquest of the earth. Starting from simple efforts such as making a hand axe (chopper) discovered by Von Koenigswald (1935) in Pacitan, to nuclear weapons that began when physicist Albert Einstein wrote to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt that an uncontrolled nuclear chain reaction had great potential to become a weapon of mass murder.

Efforts to conquer the earth with everything in it have also been seen in human thought processes since they took shelter from the challenges of nature in a 40,000-year-old karst cave in Maros, to the optimization of space as well as evidence of the height of human civilization that can be seen majestically from the 828-meter (2,171-foot) skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. Not to forget, expeditions and "space colonization" into outer space are also part of it.

From Barrow Street, Greenwich Village neighborhood in Manhattan New York, Dutch-American historian-cum-journalist, Hendrik Willem van Loon wrote a book entitled The Story of Mankind. In 1920 at that time. In chapter 41, "great discoveries", Van Loon tells about the still low level of human knowledge in the Middle Ages.

He said that Magellan's voyage to the east - looking for "the spice islands", Maluku - brought 20 to 50 people who lived in dirty rooms; consuming undercooked food because the kitchen was very bad, plus there was no fire lit every time bad weather arrived. At that time, they only knew how to make pickled fish and dried fish, but there was no knowledge of making canned food - which could last longer.

The water they brought from Portugal was put in small barrels. Over time the water was damaged, cloudy, and many germs grew. The absence of knowledge about germs at that time, made the crew just drink the water. The impact was bad. Many got typhus. "The death on ships on the earliest navigation voyages was terrible," wrote Van Loon.

On the 1519 voyage that departed from Seville, Magellan was accompanied by around 200 sailors. However, only 18 people returned with names. At that time, people did not yet know that there was an "invisible enemy" that could emerge evolutionarily in the water barrels that we have and if consumed could have fatal consequences for the human body.

In March 1520, still in the same year, a slave who accompanied 900 Spanish soldiers who departed from Cuba, landed in Mexico. Francisco de Egula, his name. He himself did not know that in his body there were trillions of cells that could be a biological bomb in the form of the smallpox virus.

At that time, wrote Yoval Noah Harari (Time, March 15, 2020) that Central America did not yet have trains, buses, or even donkeys that would allow the epidemic to spread quickly (compare that to us now who are connected everywhere). Nine months after de Egula's arrival, smallpox killed a third of their population.

In Homo Deus (2015), the historian who graduated with a PhD from Oxford University in 2002 wrote: "A shivering Francisco was put to bed in the home of an American family in the town of Cempoallan. He infected the family members, who in turn infected their neighbors. Within 10 days Cempoallan was a burial ground. Refugees spread the disease from Cempoallan to nearby towns. As one town after another succumbed to the plague, new waves of frightened refugees carried the disease across Mexico and spread it beyond."

The Maya of the Yucatan Peninsula said: the disease was caused by three evil gods, Ekpetz, Uzannkak, and Sojakak, flying from village to village at night to infect humans. Meanwhile, the Aztecs believed that it was the work of the god Tezcatlipoca, the god of the night who had black lines on his face and carried an obsidian mirror, and the god Xipe Totec, a god who wore peeling human skin. There are also those who believe that it was black magic from white people--a kind of conspiracy and racial accusation that also appeared in the Covid-19 outbreak.

At that time, humans did not know about invisible germs and viruses. Humans initially only focused on "visible enemies" but neglected "invisible enemies." Doctors and healers have actually tried, but sometimes those efforts do not succeed quickly.

But we are lucky to be human. Humans are equipped with reason with unlimited experimental abilities. When one method is deadlocked, they look for another. When one drug fails, they look for another. When one vaccine fails, they produce another vaccine. That is something we are most grateful for in our destiny as humans.

In this uncertain situation, it is time for scientists to work hard to find out what the new virus called covid-19 really is. It is time for scientists to exchange information, both from China, America, and other countries affected by the crown-shaped virus.

Here, the task of scientists becomes very important to "win the war on pathogens", quoting Harari. To be able to become "the winner" of course requires international cooperation and an attitude of mutual trust - two things highlighted by Harari - which are very important in the current context. One country can no longer think narrowly. They must unite, because this virus attack is not really an attack on one or two people, or one or two countries, but a global attack on humanity.

When I was a volunteer for a community, I was once assigned to help a patient from Gebe, Central Halmahera who was being treated in Ternate. The doctor said, based on an examination of the feces (excrement), there were many worms in the patient's body whose presence disturbed the child's body. As a result, good bacteria lost to bad bacteria; his body became very thin.

The information I gathered came to the conclusion that this was inseparable from the lack of knowledge or information about health and a healthy lifestyle. The child came from a poor family who lived on the beach. Every day he defecated on the beach. From there, bacteria and germs entered.

An unhealthy lifestyle does not stand alone. There are many factors. It could be because of the poverty that plagues the family (the government must be serious about reducing poverty, of course). The synergy between poverty and ignorance usually causes an attitude of indifference, indifference, and even if they try--to get treatment--it does not reach the maximum level.

Therefore, social solidarity is needed. If a neighbor is sick, the closest neighbor must help as much as possible. The minimum is to contact the nearest authority or "distant authority" (center) via social media which is currently so easy to reach. This solidarity will strengthen "social resilience" so that it is not easily collapsed by various problems that come.

After fighting for so long with smallpox and the discovery of a vaccine, humans have become the winners. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1979 stated: humans have won and smallpox has been eradicated (Harari, 2020). In 2019, Harari continued, not a single person was infected or killed by smallpox.

This success is a collaboration of many factors, especially vaccination, antibiotics, improved hygiene, and much better media infrastructure. Not to mention, the human factor is increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Learning from this success, it means that humans have a chance to win if they are united in heart, mind, and action. Unity of heart means that their intention is to fight the virus together. A healthy mind is also needed which is accompanied by actions that are oriented towards the same goal. Reduce differences, strengthen similarities. For humanity.

The victory in conquering the virus is a human victory born from the historical process. "Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it," said George Santayana, a philosopher born in Madrid, Spain (1863). Those who do not learn from the past will be condemned to repeat the same mistakes.

So, we must also learn from the tragedy of Magellan's men who returned home in name only because of the weak knowledge about health and the ignorance of the Mexican people about the entry of the smallpox virus into their village. Indeed, the more modern we are, the viruses that come also experience mutations into various variants that are sometimes difficult to calculate.

It is time for scientists to unite to recognize the virus in detail - its strengths and weaknesses - and then produce a faster vaccine that is healthy and safe to minimize the number of victims. Because we cannot be sure that the virus has disappeared forever even though we are no longer in lockdown like before.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

Short Course in Australia

After 8 years, at the end of 2023 I returned to visit Australia, a continent that initially felt very far away, foreign, and even 'not me.' When I was a child on the coast of Tobelo, North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, I occasionally met foreigners, and began to recognize the words Australia, America, the Netherlands, or Japan. At that time, everything felt far away, but this was Australia--from those countries it felt closer.

This trip was still the same as 8 years ago, namely a short trip of two weeks. If in 2015 I participated in the Muslim Exchange Program (MEP) or later known as the Australia-Indonesia Muslim Exchange Program (AIMEP), this year 2023 I participated in the Short Course Australia Awards themed Foreign Policy: Strategic Equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific at Griffith University.

Australia is the first country I have visited abroad. Allah destined me to 'walk on the face of the earth', seeing people and cultures that may be different from ours. Since leaving my hometown at the age of 11, I have practically lived as a wanderer for 30 years; in that wandering I have met various people, gone through joys and sorrows, and struggled to achieve the best in life.

As an ordinary person, I feel lucky to have been able to go on this journey. For me, a journey is not just a journey but in it there are stories, there are people, and even deeper: there are lessons that we can learn. I like to seek wisdom, or lessons from everything.

When looking at books at one of the think tanks in Canberra, I saw a very good sentence in a logo that if translated reads like this, "...and whoever is given wisdom has received much goodness."

So, this trip to Australia, to Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney, is a journey seeking 'much goodness' or khairan katsira. As a weak servant, maintaining the determination to learn--from all things--is good. That learning does not stop in the classroom, in fact learning is part of our lives.

When writing this, besides feeling lucky to be able to study in Australia again--in a short course--I also received 'a lot of goodness' when I heard from a friend in Jakarta, that an English book that I was the head of the writing team, received a special award in Saudi Arabia, which was received by our ambassador there.

I remember, in the beginning of compiling the book in Indonesian, my days were full of enthusiasm on how to finish the manuscript well. After it was published, the book was translated into English, distributed to several of our representatives abroad as one of the references to get to know Indonesia better, looking at past history, present, and future plans for Indonesia's glory.

In Canberra, when writing this piece of essay, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents who have struggled to educate me from the past until now. Only staying at home for 11 years is goodness, then after traveling for 30 years, it also contains goodness. My father is a man with a very big vision, he wants his children to succeed. When I want to fly abroad, I always remember him. My mother who with her love has formed a fighter character in me, something I am grateful for so that in the future I can give the best to many people.

Not to be left behind, my little family in Depok. My wife who is always there in all seasons, my children, and my brother and sister in Halmahera. My extended family in Maninjau, Bukittinggi, Pekanbaru, Lampung, Jakarta, Makassar, and North Maluku, all give meaning, lessons, and inspiration to achieve the best; learn as best as possible, and in the future give the best.

These stories are made as a reflection of a human being, precisely a traveler who wants to learn from what is seen, heard and felt. In certain things, he chooses to remain silent just to understand something better, brighter, and deeper. And, at other times he tries to share stories, with the hope that there is goodness behind the story.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.

Seven Years in Tibet, An Inspiration for the Soul

October 8, 1997. A film was released in the United States. The title is "Seven Years in Tibet". Once upon a time, Heinrich Harrer, an Austrian climber, was released from prison and traveled to the holy city of Lhasa, Tibet. After going through various difficulties, he was finally hired as an instructor for the 14th Dalai Lama, even becoming his close confidant.

One time, the Chinese army was going to attack Tibet. They did not believe in religion. When he had just met the Dalai Lama, General Chang Jing Wu said, "Religion is poison and religion is poison. Long story short, China then annexed Tibet.

In such difficult conditions, this film directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud presents an interesting statement from the 14-year-old Dalai Lama: "If a problem can be solved there is no use worrying about it. If it can't be solved, worrying will do no good." The quote gives the audience a message that there is no point in worrying about problems. Problems are always present in humans in various forms. So, there is no need to worry, especially if the problem can be solved. 

Sometimes, we worry about something that we can actually solve. We get carried away by the feeling that "something is difficult to solve", when in fact something is easy to solve. Our feelings sometimes play too deep so that what we can is covered by the thought of not being able to.

Likewise, if there is a problem that cannot be solved, then we do not need to worry too much. This is a kind of motivational sentence and suggestion that actually all problems can be solved. Worry is what makes something difficult, heavy, and seems hard to unravel.

Buya Hamka once said, "... there is no tangle that cannot be unraveled... there is no problem that cannot be solved." No matter how tangled something is, it can definitely be unraveled. Problems, no matter how difficult they are, can definitely be solved.

Worrying too much is the problem. Maybe because we watch movies too often, we end up being suggested to something. Walking in a dark place makes us afraid. How come? Because we are "indoctrinated" by films to be afraid of the dark, because in the dark there are demons.

Apparitions sometimes appear in films where humans are usually the ones running. Imagine if the film showed the demons running, it would be more inspiring to give birth to a brave soul.

We need to manage our worries. No matter how difficult it is, life must be lived with a stable mind and soul. The Prophets and Apostles exemplify that. Even though it was difficult in front of us, they remained convinced that behind the difficulties there must be ease.

The Qur'an tells us. When Pharaoh and his troops managed to catch up with Prophet Moses and his followers, Prophet Moses' followers said, "Indeed, we will be overtaken." (Asy-Syu'araa: 61).

His people said that because they saw that there was no way in front of them, it was just the ocean. They then complained to Prophet Moses. Moses replied: "We will never be overtaken; Indeed, my Lord is with me, and He will guide me soon” (Asy-Syu’araa: 62).

This means that worry is human but we should not worry too much. As long as we are on the right path, be sure that there will be help or ma'unah from Him.

Finally, we realize that worry is what sometimes hinders our brilliance. Worry should be treated as a normal phenomenon, and should not be followed excessively. As long as we can still try and pray, be sure that there will always be a solution to every problem.

YANUARDI SYUKUR is an Indonesian writer who is also a lecturer, editor, researcher and speaker at various conferences and expert resource person on several Indonesian television stations and ministries. He has participated in various international programs in Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, the United States, as well as Ukraine. He is an anthropologist at Khairun University who is interested in various global issues. He is currently also active as Vice Chairman of the Islamic and Middle East Research Center (IMERC) of the University of Indonesia and is active in the Commission on Foreign Relations and International Cooperation of the Indonesian Ulama Council. E-mail: yanuardisyukur@gmail.com.