South Tangerang, FAH News Online- On Wednesday, July 9 2025, the Master's Study Program in the History of Islamic Culture held a thesis session entitled “Agus Sunyoto (1959–2021): His Thoughts and Contributions in the Nusantara” Islamic Discourse by Farida Novita Rahmah.

This session was special because it was attended directly by the Chancellor of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah who also acted as one of the examiners. Apart from the Chancellor, the testing team consists of Prof. Dr. Jajat Burhanudin, MA.; Prof. Dr. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, MA.; Prof. Jajang Jahroni, MA., Ph.D.; Saiful Umam, MA., Ph.D.; and Dr. Mauidlotun Nisa’, M.Hum. The atmosphere of the trial was lively, characterized by critical questions, substantial input, and in-depth discussions between examiners and researchers.

In the exam session, the Chancellor specifically highlighted the explanation regarding the paradigmatic validity of Agus Sunyoto as a study figure, as well as questioning the theory and approach used to assess the appropriateness of Agus Sunyoto's thinking so that it could be studied and accounted for in the context of Indonesian Islamic discourse.

Answering this question, researchers emphasized the importance of the sociological framework in reading Agus Sunyoto's thoughts. According to him, concepts such as social structure, collective awareness, and the legitimacy of knowledge are the keys to explaining how Agus Sunyoto's ideas have a place in society.

As a Nahdlatul Ulama figure and cultural figure, Agus Sunyoto has a strategic space to spread ideas through mass media, socio-religious organizations and educational institutions. Researchers also explained that Agus Sunyoto's thoughts resonate with the collective consciousness of Indonesian Muslims who want to discover the historical and cultural roots of Islam.

Through the narrative of Islam Nusantara, it offers a balancing of local values, tolerance, Sufi spirituality, and continuity of indigenous Islamic history. His works, such as the Wali Songo Atlas, became an important reference in religious public discourse and gained legitimacy of knowledge through NU's Lesbumi affiliation and his activities in academic and cultural forums, although his approach was more narrative-cultural than formal academic.

The direct presence of UIN Chancellor Syarif Hidayatullah at this session was a special encouragement for students and the academic community. In addition to adding to the scientific weight of the session, his presence also reflected full support for the strengthening of the tradition of critical and contextual research.

Author: FN Rahmah

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