Bahtiar Effendy Auditorium – International Relations Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UIN Jakarta, in collaboration with PCINU China, organized a National Seminar titled "Santri Diplomacy in Contemporary Indonesia-China Relations" at the Bahtiar Effendy Auditorium, FISIP UIN Jakarta Campus, on Tuesday (11/04/2023).

The event, moderated by UIN Jakarta's International Relations lecturer, Sarah Hajar M, featured several speakers, including Ahmad S. Zuhri (Rais Syuriah of PCINU China), Atep A. Rofiq (Lecturer in International Relations at UIN Jakarta), M. Irfan Hilmie (Head of the Beijing Bureau, ANTARA 2017-2023), and Saiful Hakim (Researcher at BRIN).

Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at UIN Jakarta, Prof. Dzuriyatun Toyibah, stated in her address that the term "santri" in the present era has become more flexible. “Santri-style diplomacy can be interpreted as diplomacy that utilizes moderate Islam and prioritizes universal values,” she said.

She also added that the International Relations program at FISIP UIN Jakarta has advantages that is not found in other campuses, including the fact that FISIP UIN Jakarta students have an understanding of moderate Islam. “This advantage will be useful in the development of global peace,” said the Dean.

At the same event, a representative from PCINU China emphasized that santri diplomacy reflects how the role of Islamic students applies not only in the context of China but also wherever they are. This is considered an integral part of the spirit and ethos that colors the role of Islamic students in addressing global challenges.

Atep A. Rofiq, a lecturer in the International Relations program, discussed the role of non-state actors in the dynamics of international politics. He highlighted that international relations evolve through interactions between states, particularly focusing on global issues such as the environment, economy, social issues, and culture, often referred to as soft politics. Diplomacy is recognized as an essential instrument closely tied to the national interests of a country.

According to him, santri are not just religious students but also serve as cultural bridges connecting Indonesia (through PCNU and Nahdlatul Ulama) with the People's Republic of China. The exchange of santri in the fields of culture and education is seen as a positive step that can strengthen international relations. He emphasizes that the active role of santri has a significant positive impact in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and China through a people-to-people approach.

“Therefore, I hope that the role of santri can be the key to the emergence of a more positive understanding regarding the relationship between the two countries,” he said.

In the same event, M. Irfan Ilmi, the Head of the Beijing Bureau of ANTARA (2017-2023), provided insights into the development of Indonesia-China relations while sharing his reporting experiences from various cities in China, adding a practical dimension to the discussion.

He also outlined three key aspects of santri diplomacy, including the position of santri in the realm of diplomacy, the metanarrative of Indonesia-China relations, and new sources of knowledge. Interestingly, he highlighted the unique nature of Indonesia-China diplomatic relations, which are closely linked to domestic politics in Indonesia, encompassing diplomatic, political, and business elements. He emphasized that, suddenly, santri have become crucial elements in the dynamics of this diplomatic relationship.

As the event concluded, there was a hope that a positive understanding of the role of santri in Indonesia-China relations could pave the way for closer understanding between the two countries in the future. It becomes increasingly apparent that santri are not just religious actors but also ambassadors of peace and cultural unifiers, playing a significant role in fostering harmonious international relations.

Subsequently, Saiful Hakam, a researcher at the Regional Research Center of BRIN, discussed the theme of santri and the discussion of perceptions of the Chinese and the People's Republic of China. Hakam revealed that santri have a more profound theological awareness compared to the general public.