Corresponding
Author: Pangeran Arsyad Ihsanulhaq
E-mail:
[email protected]
INTRODUCTION
Egypt has been known as one of the
centers of human civilization since ancient times and where many significant
historical relics are found
Egypt maintains its position
as a global education center in the modern era. In particular, education in
Egypt also greatly influenced the Islamic world, where many scholars born in
the Egyptian education system became critical thinkers in developing moderate
Islamic thought
Previous studies have emphasized the role of Al-Azhar
University in shaping the religious and political landscape in various
countries, particularly in the Muslim world. For instance, Fattah
Al-Azhar University has more
than 81 faculties spread across Egypt, covering various disciplines such as
Sharia and Law, Ushuluddin, and Arabic, as well as programs in social sciences
and exact sciences
Al-Azhar University's
significant influence is consistently evidenced by the university’s producing
scholars, influential figures, leaders, bureaucrats, and government officials
who play a crucial role in religious policy in many Muslim countries, including
Indonesia. The alums of Al-Azhar University who have successfully entered the
government structure have also proven to be equipped with political insights,
diplomacy, and public policy. Al-Azhar University has more than 400 thousand
local and international students from more than 100 countries, especially from
countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Africa, and the South Asian region
Based on these statistical data, it is known that
Al-Azhar University ranks third globally in terms of educational institutions
with the highest number. This reflects the capacity and quality of Al-Azhar
University to attract many students and underscores its position as a great
center of Islamic learning and its broad influence on students from various
international backgrounds. In addition, Al-Azhar University's success in
maintaining a high number of students each year shows its effectiveness and
affordability, making it a top choice for many students, including Indonesian
students. As for the same year, in 2022, there were a total of 23,955
international students studying at Al-Azhar University. In this context, the
role of Al-Azhar University can be understood from two perspectives: providing
access to education and spreading its vast influence at the global level. Thus,
Al-Azhar University is an influential Muslim educational institution and a
symbol of educational diplomacy that strengthens the scientific and cultural
network between the Middle East and the world.
The total number of students enrolled at Al-Azhar
University in 2022 and the number of international students. The red bar
represents the total student population, which indicates a large enrollment
exceeding 400,000 students
The increase in the number of Indonesian students at
Al-Azhar University has also been recorded in recent years. The latest data
shows that, among other countries, Indonesia is the country that sends the most
students to study at Al-Azhar University. In the last five years, there has
been an increase in the number of students from Indonesia by 70%, which is the
largest in the region
About Indonesia,
the researcher highlights the central role of Al-Azhar University in promoting
moderate Islam through inclusive and tolerance-based interpretations. Backed by
its widespread reputation and profound influence, Al-Azhar continues to be a
beacon of science and education that bridges religious traditions with the
contemporary challenges of the modern world
The urgency of this research lies in the increasing
need to analyze the soft power exercised through educational diplomacy,
especially in an era of globalization where nations seek influence beyond
traditional political and economic means. The strategic role of Al-Azhar
University alums in shaping Indonesia-Egypt relations reflects the growing
importance of educational and religious soft power as a tool for international
diplomacy. As global politics shift towards more subtle forms of influence,
understanding the contribution of such alums becomes critical, especially in
promoting moderate Islamic values that align with national interests and global
peace initiatives. The implications of this study extend to enhancing bilateral
relations, fostering interfaith dialogue, and promoting religious moderation,
which is essential in mitigating extremist ideologies in the modern era.
METHOD
This study employs a qualitative research approach with a
descriptive-analytical design
Data was collected through secondary sources,
including official documents, scholarly articles, and other relevant
literature. This method was chosen to gather comprehensive data from credible
sources, ensuring the reliability of the findings. As Creswell
The subjects of this research are Indonesian alums of
Al-Azhar University who hold strategic positions in the Indonesian government
and religious institutions. Their roles and contributions are examined to
assess how they influence Indonesia’s diplomatic relations with Egypt, mainly
through soft power. This study applies thematic analysis, which involves
identifying and interpreting patterns (themes) within the data. The collected
data is categorized based on the research objectives, focusing on how the alums
influence educational and political spheres. The thematic analysis process aids
in organizing the data into coherent categories that reflect the key elements
of the research. Finally, the findings are interpreted to conclude the impact
of these alumni on Indonesia’s foreign policy towards Egypt.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The intensity of relations between Indonesia
and Egypt was firmly established before entering the educational dimension. In
addition to being the first country to recognize Indonesia's independence on
March 22, 1946, Egypt is also a pioneer in fundamental educational cooperation.
This was marked by the visit of Grand Shaykh al Azhar for the first time in
Indonesia on August 15, 1955, which coincided with the celebration of
Indonesia's 10th independence. On October 10, 1955, Indonesia and Egypt signed
a cooperation document as a follow-up to initiating educational collaboration.
The signing process from the Indonesian side was represented by the Ad Interim
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Burhanuddin Harahap.
In contrast,
the Egyptian side was led by the Egyptian Ambassador to Indonesia, Ali Fahmi
Amroussi. This collaboration includes exchanging teaching experts, ranging from
teachers to lecturers, followed by student exchanges. Since then, strategic
cooperation between Indonesia and Egypt has been established and is the
beginning of a significant expansion of collaboration involving Al-Azhar
University. This long journey proves that the cooperation between Al-Azhar
University is on a foundation built for a long time.
Al-Azhar University alums have a strategic role
in Indonesia's political constellation, especially among political parties and
Islamic movements. Most Al-Azhar University graduates have held significant
leadership positions in Indonesia's two largest Islamic organizations, Nahdlatul
Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, which hold substantial political influence in
Indonesian government chess. The graduates of Al-Azhar University are often
associated with the spread of the principle of "Wasathiyyah,” which means
moderate Islam. This is in line with the values of democracy and pluralism in
Indonesia. The role of Al-Azhar University alums has been considered important
in supporting the state’s efforts to prevent radicalism and terrorism by
promoting moderation in the political and religious realms. In addition, the
active involvement of Al-Azhar University alums in political discourse is often
marked by efforts to strengthen religious tolerance and provide religious input
in the political decision-making process.
The researcher also highlights the relationship
between Indonesia and Egypt based on the same viewpoint when choosing a
moderate Islamic approach. Indonesia has long known the term Islam Nusantara,
which describes the combination of Islamic values and tolerance that
characterizes the integration of various ethnicities, cultures, and religions.
Meanwhile, Egypt is also a pioneer country of moderate Islamic concepts. The
process of disseminating the concept is dominantly carried out through Al-Azhar
University, which has successfully built a spirit of balance, tolerance, and
modernization between groups inside and outside Islam. In detail, this
modernity ensures that Islamic moderation remains based on Islamic teachings
(tsawâbit) and grounds tolerance through peace and dialogue, both in
inter-religious and cross-religious groups. This is because differences in
religious understanding are entities that must be protected and respected
according to the slogan “accept the other” (qabûl al-akhar).
The researcher examines that the same
understanding of Islamic moderation between Indonesia and Egypt is reflected in
the alums of Al-Azhar University graduates who have always had a moderate
viewpoint and stance in responding to various issues and dynamics of domestic
politics. For this reason, mapping para-alumni along with their roles and
influences is essential. The following is a list of several Al-Azhar University
Indonesian alums relevant to this research's interests.
Table 1. Key Indonesian Religious Leaders and Their
Strategic Influence on Indonesia-Egypt Relations
|
Name |
Important
Positions |
Strategic
Influence |
|
Prof.
Dr. KH. Ma'ruf Amin |
Vice President of
the Republic of Indonesia (2019–2024) |
Ma'ruf Amin
influenced religious and state affairs. Its influence on religious policy and
national politics is significant. He is also active in diplomacy that
strengthens relations between Indonesia and Egypt, especially in educational
exchanges and religious dialogue. It was recorded that the increase in the
scholarship quota of Al-Azhar University occurred during his administration
period which can be interpreted as a positive form as a result of the impact
of the influence of Indonesia-Egypt foreign policy |
|
Prof. Dr. Quraish
Shihab |
Minister of
Religion of the Republic of Indonesia (1998) Indonesian
Ambassador to Egypt (1999-2002) |
Quraish Shihab
served as Minister of Religious Affairs during the transition period of
government which was marked by political instability ahead of the reform era.
During this period, he continued to encourage the improvement of the quality
of religious education, at various levels of educational units. When he
became Ambassador, he also played a role in bridging the follow-up
relationship between Indonesia and Egypt which was marked by the state visit
of President Abdurrahman Wahid in 2000 |
|
KH. Said Aqil
Siradj |
Chairman of
Nahdlatul Ulama (2010-2021) |
Said Aqil has a
great influence on Indonesian politics and society considering that he once
led the largest Muslim organization that is moderate Islam or Islam Nusantara
under Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). He also plays an active role in encouraging the
strengthening of relations between Indonesia and Egypt through participation
in various international forums such as the International Conference of
Islamic Scholars (ICIS). Various efforts to carry out Islamic moderation
adapted through Islam Nusantara have succeeded in improving bilateral
relations between Indonesia and Egypt which have similar perspectives |
|
Dr. Din Syamsuddin |
Chairman of
Muhammadiyah (2005-2015) |
Din Syamsuddin in
his capacity as chairman of one of the largest and influential Muslim
organizations in Indonesia has managed to achieve various aspects. This is
reflected in the increase in cooperation between Muhammadiyah and Al-Azhar
University, the exchange program between countries, and the provision of
special quotas for Muhammadiyah alumni to pursue further education at
Al-Azhar University. He is also actively involved in international agendas
involving Indonesia and Egypt such as the Conference on the Renewal of
Islamic Thought in Egypt with a special agenda to discuss the renewal of
Islamic organizations in Indonesia which ultimately further improves
bilateral relations between countries |
|
Dr. Ali Yafie |
Chairman of the
Indonesian Ulema Council (1990 – 2000) |
Ali Yafie
contributed to the religious and political aspects of Indonesia and
influenced Islamic jurisprudence and its application to state law and policy.
In his capacity as chairman of the MUI, he often visits and dialogues with
Egyptian clerics to strengthen religious relations between the two countries |
A comprehensive analysis through the table
above about Al-Azhar University alums and their roles in the political and
government spectrum is complemented by an elaboration of their influence is
carried out with an approach to applying the theory of national interest. Based
on the classification of the definition of national interest according to
Donald E, which refers explicitly to the interests of the international order
(World Order Interest), the researcher focuses on how this theory explains the
situation where Egypt seeks to secure interests related to the system and
political conditions that are favorable to its country when establishing
relations with Indonesia. Historically, the cooperation between Indonesia and
Egypt has been established for a long time, since the independence era, and is now
spread across various strategic sectors.
In the education sector context, Al-Azhar University
plays a dominant role in becoming a bridge to secure its national interests
through strengthening the strategic relationship between Indonesia and Egypt.
Indonesian alums from Al-Azhar University who have studied in Egypt have proven
high quality and qualifications. When they returned to Indonesia, they
succeeded in occupying essential posts in political chess and government in the
country. The researcher presents explicitly data that elaborates on the
distribution of alums of Al-Azhar University at various levels of government
and politics, starting from the highest executive level government (Prof. Dr.
KH. Ma'ruf Amin, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia), ministerial
level (Prof. Dr. Quraish Shihab, Minister of Religion of the Republic of
Indonesia), the enormous level of community organizations (KH. Said Aqil
Siradj, Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama), the level of community organizations with
a vast network of cross-sectors (Dr. Din Syamsuddin, Chairman of Muhammadiyah),
the level of the largest Muslim administrative organization (Dr. Ali Yafie,
Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council).
The national interests owned by Egypt have been
proven to have been successfully carried out through the strengthening of
relations between Indonesia and Egypt in the process of foreign policy
political formulation, which is the result of the alums of Al-Azhar University.
There are still many more alums of Al-Azhar University who are influential in
various sectors in improving bilateral relations between the two countries.
However, the alums that have been elaborated in the table are a representation
of the success of Al-Azhar University in producing quality alums so that in the
end, when they have graduated, they have successfully carried out their
respective duties in each sector and directly or indirectly contribute to the
strengthening of Indonesia and Egypt in the context of foreign policy and its
impact on the sustainability of the strategic relationship between the two
countries.
These alumni are also proven to have inherited
the fundamental and principal teachings of Al-Azhar University. This is
reflected in the doctrine of Al-Azhar University in practicing religious
science, which includes:
a. Understanding
Reality (Fiqh Al-Waqi')
b. Priority
Fiqh (Fiqh Al-Auwlawiyyat)
c. The
concept of sunatullah in creation
d. Providing
Religious Convenience
e. comprehensively
understand the text
f.
prioritizing dialogue,
tolerance, and openness with the outside world
The researcher underlined several points such
as providing religious convenience, which indicates a higher level of tolerance
to carry out a religious activity; comprehensively understanding the text,
which signifies religious moderation in contextualizing everything so that it
can be more universally accepted; to the point of prioritizing dialogue,
tolerance, and openness with the outside world which is the forerunner of
religious moderation and modernization to the next level. These things are
reflected in the alums of Indonesian students at Al-Azhar University, who have
been mentioned in the research table that refers to the theory of national
interest. These alumni, in addition to having a track record in spreading
moderate and universal Islamic views, also come from and have a central role in
organizations that are famous for their moderate values typical of Al-Azhar
University's understanding that can be accepted by the wider community, such as
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah. In the end, these alumni of Al-Azhar
University began to spread their influence in various sectors at various levels
as active and participatory culturalists. Gradually, these alumni can
strategically position themselves in these critical organizations until there
is momentum for the involvement of moderate Muslim central figures in the
government space. This ultimately provides an opportunity for Al-Azhar
University alums to continue fostering good relations with the university and
Egypt in general.
The researcher also underlined how Egypt has
succeeded in securing its national interests through Al-Azhar University by
producing influential graduates after studying based on the curriculum and
learning methods of Al-Azhar University. These alumni have strategically
positioned themselves between their roles as scholars (ulama) and government
(umara). This quality is a significant differentiation between Al-Azhar
University alums and other Muslim universities at the center of Muslim
civilization and culture in the Middle East. This qualification gives Egypt the
advantage of making alums from universities in the country agents to secure
national interests, manifested through strengthening bilateral relations
between Indonesia and Egypt.
The strategic role of Indonesian alums of
Al-Azhar University can also be studied using soft power theory through the
Joseph S. Nye analysis model chart approach to find out how these alumni can
influence Indonesia-Egypt foreign policy politics. This analysis model
classifies behavior and action in the context of international relations and
divides them into hard and soft power. In terms of spectrum, hard power will
bring a consequence of action that leads to coercion and military force. In
contrast, soft power will direct the output of action towards co-optimization
and alignment of goals. In this analysis model, the x-axis (horizontal) shows
the progression from coercive actions that are more aligned with hard power to
more cooperative and soft power strategies. In this study, the soft power
theory approach will be used to understand better how the alums of Indonesian
students at Al-Azhar University act as agents and actors of soft power that
affect the strategic relationship between Indonesia and Egypt.
Figure 1.
The Continuum of Hard and Soft Power in
International Relations
On the soft power spectrum, the spectrum of
behaviors and the most possible resources are divided into the following
classifications:
a. Agenda
Setting: This aspect involves influencing the setting of global priorities and
issues through a narrative built by a person. Setting an agenda by a country or
entity can direct international discussion and attention in the desired
direction without coercion through public diplomacy and the dissemination of
information. In the context of this research, Egypt does so through Al-Azhar University
by continuing to maintain and foster good relations with alums who hold
important positions in the Indonesian government so that, in the end, it has an
impact when the policy-making process is carried out. The results lead to the
strengthening of relations between the two countries.
b. Attraction:
This aspect is related to the ability to attract other countries or to a
country's cultural values or political system without resorting to coercion.
This appeal can be rooted in the power of culture, ideology, and domestic
policies that promote universal or globally appealing values. In the context of
this research, Egypt spreads moderate and universal Islamic ideology through
the teachings that have taken root in the country. These teachings and
understandings are finally manifested through the thoughts and actions of the
alums of Al-Azhar University, who ultimately occupy essential posts in the most
prominent Muslim organizations and governments. This brings Indonesia and Egypt
many common perspectives and strategically impacts bilateral relations between
countries.
c. Co-optation:
This process involves changing a country's preferences to voluntarily adopt the
goals and desires of a country that uses soft power. This process is often
achieved through collaboration, diplomacy, and networks of cooperation that
strengthen relationships and mutual interests. In the context of this research,
the co-optation process is established through Al-Azhar University, especially
its strong alum network, which continues to spread the same understanding
regarding religious moderation and its role in government. In the long term,
this significantly impacts strengthening relations between Indonesia and Egypt.
The central role of Al-Azhar University alums
in strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Egypt has been
proven to be analyzed through the approach of national interest theory and soft
power. Educated alums in an environment that combines the depth of religious
knowledge and sensitivity to contemporary issues have successfully played a
central role in politics and governance in Indonesia. In particular, Al-Azhar
University graduates' high quality and capacity allows them to occupy strategic
positions in Indonesian government posts. This improves the quality of domestic
policy and facilitates the development of stronger foreign relations with
Egypt. The synergy between the education received when the alums studied at
Al-Azhar University and the need for Indonesian leadership figures provides a solid
basis for alums to apply a soft power approach in diplomacy. The alums used
their influence to promote policies that benefited both countries and
strengthen diplomatic relations through joint initiatives in various strategic
sectors.
CONCLUSION
This research has
demonstrated the significant influence of Indonesian alums from Al-Azhar
University on Indonesia's domestic politics and foreign policy, particularly in
shaping bilateral relations with Egypt. By leveraging their education and
extensive networks, these alumni act as critical agents of soft power,
promoting values of moderation and diplomacy that align with Indonesia's
national interests. Their strategic roles in government and religious
institutions enable them to influence policy formulation, fostering stronger
diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Egypt. Notable alums, such as Vice
President Ma'ruf Amin and religious leaders like Quraish Shihab and Din
Syamsuddin, exemplify this influence by advancing inclusive, moderate Islamic
perspectives that resonate with Indonesia's pluralistic and democratic
environment. Their efforts reinforce Indonesia’s national interests and
contribute to the broader goal of promoting global peace and moderation through
religious diplomacy. This study answers the core research question by showing
how educational diplomacy, through Al-Azhar's alums, strengthens international
cooperation. Their active participation in shaping moderate Islamic policies
has been crucial in maintaining strong diplomatic ties between Indonesia and
Egypt. Future research can explore the long-term impacts of this soft power on
other bilateral relations and investigate how Al-Azhar alums influence
diplomacy in other regions. Additionally, comparative studies on the role of
educational diplomacy in different cultural and political contexts could
further illuminate the broader significance of educational institutions like
Al-Azhar in shaping global diplomatic dynamics.
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the authors. Submitted for possible open access publication under the terms
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