History ASAI

History and Profile

In the mid-2010s, lecturers from the Department of Comparative Religion (now the Religious Studies Program) at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University intensively discussed three issues.

First, the future of comparative religion departments as institutions. The number of prospective new students in comparative religion departments tends to be negatively stagnant, meaning that not only are interest levels declining, albeit slightly, but comparative religion is no longer the first choice for students. It appears that the phenomenon of declining interest is not only experienced by the Comparative Religion Department at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, but also by Comparative Religion Departments at other universities. In fact, some have even changed their names and even closed down due to the lack of new students enrolling. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

This phenomenon differs from the situation in the mid-1980s or early 1990s, when, although there were not many applicants, it was the favorite choice of prospective new students with outstanding academic qualities and competencies. The Comparative Religion Department is an elite class for aspiring thinkers, and therefore does not need to admit a large number of students, as stated by the founder of the Comparative Religion Department, who is also the former Minister of Religion, Prof. Dr. Mukti Ali. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Therefore, the phenomenon of “negative stagnation” among prospective new students has become a serious concern for lecturers in the Department of Comparative Religion at UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Since then, lecturers and administrators in the Department of Comparative Religion have raised the option of changing the name of the department. Based on the research conducted, it appears that the name “Comparative Religion” is one of the factors contributing to the reluctance of new students to enroll in this department.

The name “Religious Studies” not only causes resistance among the public, but is also considered to offer little guarantee of a future for its graduates. However, the Department of Religious Studies actually plays an important role in a multi-religious and multi-cultural society such as Indonesia.

This significant role has become even more significant with the blurring of territorial boundaries caused by technological advances and discoveries in information technology, allowing people from different religious backgrounds to meet without any restrictions. In this context, the study of comparative religion is essential.

Second, the role of the Department of Comparative Religion in the life of the nation and state. Throughout the history of the Republic of Indonesia, the Department of Comparative Religion has made a significant contribution by formulating the trilogy of religious harmony.

However, in its development, the Department of Comparative Religion seems to have lost its direction, even though religious social issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. Violence in the name of religion tends to increase, both physical and non-physical violence. In such conditions, Comparative Religion should be present to provide alternative solutions to religious problems. Unfortunately, these roles appear to be neglected due to the challenges faced by the Department of Comparative Religion itself, such as how to maintain the department's existence amid the highly dynamic dynamics of the academic market.

Third, the scientific development of Comparative Religion. In the last twenty years, Comparative Religion has tended to stagnate scientifically. There have been almost no scientific innovations that would allow Comparative Religion to continue to develop as other sciences have done in line with the dynamics experienced by society. Comparative Religion seems to be stuck in the grandeur of the past and has forgotten to build greatness for the future. Meanwhile, with the rapid development of information technology, society has become increasingly dynamic, and the problems it faces have become more complex. The increasing phenomenon of violence in the name of religion, the commodification of religion that treats religion as a market commodity, the emergence of religiously labeled economic movements, and environmental issues that increasingly challenge the role of religions should be able to drive new discoveries in Comparative Religion. In such a position, Comparative Religion appears to be “exhausted.”

The three conditions above prompted the academic community of the Department of Comparative Religion at UIN Sunan Kalijaga to hold intensive discussions about the future of the Department of Comparative Religion. During the discussion, it became clear that the problems faced by Comparative Religion cannot be solved by the Comparative Religion Department at UIN Sunan Kalijaga alone, but must be solved jointly by all universities offering Comparative Religion programs.

Finally, in 2013, the Department of Comparative Religion at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta initiated a National Seminar attended by heads and secretaries of comparative religion departments throughout Indonesia, as well as religious studies activists, with two objectives. First, to map the problems faced by comparative religion departments throughout Indonesia.

In this way, it will be easy to identify what solutions need to be implemented. Second, raising awareness among members of the academic community of Comparative Religion about the need for consolidation among members of the academic community of Comparative Religion to overcome problems. The Yogyakarta meeting resulted in several decisions.

Among the more interesting decisions was the need to change the name from Comparative Religion to Religious Studies, and also to establish an association of scholars and enthusiasts of religious studies. The name change was recommended on the assumption that the name Comparative Religion was a “problem” that discouraged people from entering the field.

Therefore, the option to change the name was strongly agreed upon by all participants present. Meanwhile, the need for an association was based on the idea that the development of Comparative Religion in each university is uneven, meaning that some are strong while others are weak. With the existence of this association, it is hoped that Comparative Religion throughout Indonesia can move forward evenly while maintaining its uniqueness. Additionally, there was a proposal that the association should not only be joined by Comparative Religion faculty members and students but also by academics and enthusiasts of religious studies. The Comparative Religion program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of this recommendation.

In 2014, the Comparative Religion Department at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University hosted the Indonesian Religious Studies Symposium. This symposium was a follow-up to the previous symposium. At this symposium, discussions focused on two things, namely revitalizing religious studies and forming an association. First, the discussion centered on the need for revitalization to strengthen the paradigmatic position of comparative religion (religious studies) amid the proliferation of market-oriented study programs. Where does comparative religion fit into the context of these market-oriented programs? According to Prof. Amin Abdullah, comparative religion plays a role akin to salt.

It should not be too much, but it should not be completely absent, because any dish without salt will be bland and tasteless. Second, the discussion about the formation of an association.

Regarding the association, several important decisions were made, namely the agreed name is Asosiasi Studi Agama Indonesia (ASAI), with the elected chairperson Ahmad Muttaqin, S.Ag., MA., M.Ag., Ph.D. (UIN Sunan Kalijaga) and Dr. Media Zainul (UIN Jakarta).

ASAI is not a study program association, but rather an association of researchers, lecturers, activists, and enthusiasts of religious studies. However, ASAI has a responsibility to contribute to the future of religious studies study programs so that they can be present and beneficial to society.