Professor Jamhari Makruf

Professor Jamhari Makruf is Vice Rector of the Indonesian International Islamic University (Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia). He was previously a lecturer and Deputy Rector (Academic) at the Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah in Jakarta. Having received a PhD in anthropology from the Australian National University, Professor Jamhari is a reputed researcher on Islamic studies with a focus on the installation of democracy in Islamic society and Muslim compatibility with civil society. Among his current interests and concerns is aggravated poverty in rural areas as an underlying root cause for the upsurge of religious fundamentalism. Professor Jamhari facilitates the interdisciplinary research activities of PPIMUIN Jakarta, which are designed to enhance mutual understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. He grapples with injustice against Muslim communities due to misperceptions, and explores the contemporary significance of Islam through the linkage with Western value systems. His publications include Islamic Contemporary Movements: The Rise of Islamic Radicalism.

Impact of the Pandemic on Pesantren

The Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia has severely affected private Islamic education, especially in pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). The pesantren education system relies on the direct interaction of students and teachers in a boarding environment, ensuring the effectiveness of transmission of ‘moral values.’ In addition, the students’ presence in pesantren is a prime financial resource for the sustainability of pesantren. When social distancing and avoiding crowds are introduced to curb the spread of the virus, pesantren have faced a tough choice; providing online education (allowing students to study at their homes) or continuing offline education (asking students to come to pesantren's boarding schools), despite the risks involved.