Indonesian Scholars Conclude Their HIU Residency with Music and Reflection

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, HIU held a certificate ceremony for eight Indonesian scholars from the Istiqlal Mosque Ulama Cadre Education (PKUMI) program who joined us about three months ago. 

The program, run by the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, provides Indonesian graduate students in the writing stages of their MA and P.hD. programs with the opportunity to immerse themselves in an American, interreligious, and intercultural academic environment. All participants are enrolled in the PTIQ University’s Department of Tafsir (Quranic Commentary) and come to the U.S. on a J1 visa.

Dr. David Grafton, Director of The Duncan Black Macdonald Center, reflected on the significance of this annual event. “Each year we have a certificate ceremony to honor the scholars at the end of their residence with us at HIU and recognize the academic learning that has taken place.”

“But the ceremony is always different. Each cohort is unique. They bring their own gifts and skills. Last year the scholars sang for us. This year they played songs on the angklung. This is their way of demonstrating how grateful they are to come to HIU and be part of our learning community. It’s great.” 

The angklung, a bamboo instrument, produces a single note per piece. Only through the collaboration of multiple players can it create a melody. The scholars performed “Mojang Priangan,” a Sundanese folk song, among others. 

“As a traditional Indonesian musical instrument, the angklung is an extraordinary symbol of unity and harmony,” said scholar Kamil Anwar, “Every angklung player has their own role, playing their note with full responsibility. Yet success does not rely on any single individual; it depends on the synchronization of all players who listen to one another and understand their respective roles. Isn’t this a wonderful reflection of community life?”

The scholars learned to perform the songs under the guidance of Indriyo K. Sukmono, a Yale University professor who connected with them this fall at an Indonesian gathering. He organizes these performances for the larger Indonesian community.

The afternoon ceremony also provided a space for personal connection. Afterward, President Joel N. Lohr invited the scholars into his office for an intimate discussion. “We took almost a full hour to talk. I asked each one to go around, share their name, share information about their research, and then share their hopes for life. It was so touching and moving.”

“Some of the scholars cried as they spoke, so grateful and moved by the moment. And their research topics are so powerful and interesting. I really do have hope for the world when I meet these budding leaders. What a gift.”

The eight MA scholars, who completed their three-month residency, will return to Indonesia in early December. Meanwhile, four P.hD. scholars will remain at HIU until February, finishing their six-month program.

This study abroad experience is made possible by HIU’s The Macdonald Center in partnership with the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF) in Columbia, Maryland, and the Istiqlal Mosque Ulama Cadre Education program in Jakarta, Indonesia.