Getting to Know Din Syamsuddin, Former Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah Who Supports Ridwan Kamil

Kapanlagi.com - On Monday (4/11), Ridwan Kamil, the gubernatorial candidate for DKI Jakarta with the number 1, made a special visit to the residence of the former Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, Din Syamsudin, in Jakarta. This visit was not merely a formality, but rather an occasion for camaraderie and to seek advice from a highly respected figure in the religious and intellectual world of Indonesia.

Din Syamsudin did not hesitate to express his belief that Ridwan Kamil is the right leader to lead the capital. With an impressive track record and competent experience, Ridwan Kamil is seen as a visionary leader with a clear vision for Jakarta. His experience as the Mayor of Bandung and the Governor of West Java, coupled with his contributions to improving Jakarta's urban planning, further strengthens Din's perspective.

With great enthusiasm, Din Syamsudin fully supports Ridwan Kamil and his partner, Suswono, to lead Jakarta towards a better direction.

Not only known as a political figure, Din Syamsudin, who was born in Sumbawa Besar, West Nusa Tenggara, on August 31, 1958, is also a prominent intellectual and religious leader in Indonesia.

Known since his youth as an intelligent individual with a strong commitment to education and self-development in the field of Islam, Din Syamsudin is an inspiring example for many. To learn more about him, check out the complete profile of Din Syamsuddin that will be presented by Kapanlagi.com on Tuesday (5/11).

1. Educational Background

Din Syamsuddin began his educational journey at Madrasah Nahdhatul Ulama in Sumbawa Besar, before continuing to Pondok Pesantren Darussalam Gontor in East Java, where he completed his studies in 1975.

His enthusiasm for pursuing knowledge took him to IAIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, where he earned a degree from the Faculty of Ushuluddin, Department of Comparative Religion in 1982.

Not satisfied with just that, Din took further steps by continuing his postgraduate education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA, and successfully obtained an MA in 1988 and a Ph.D. in 1991 in the field of Islamic Studies, as recorded on the official website of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

2. Involvement in Muhammadiyah and Islamic Organizations

Since his youth, Din Syamsuddin has made a remarkable mark in Muhammadiyah, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. His career soared as he was trusted as the General Chairman of the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah from 2005 to 2015, during which he became the architect of significant changes, strengthening Muhammadiyah's position both nationally and internationally.

Not only that, his involvement also extended to the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) as the Chairman of the Advisory Council during the period of 2015-2020, where he often became the voice and spokesperson for Indonesian Muslims on various crucial religious and social issues.

3. International Involvement and Peace Diplomacy

Din Syamsuddin, an influential figure with a vast international network, has etched his name in the history of interfaith dialogue. As a leader of several global organizations, such as the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP) and the Asian Conference on Religions for Peace (ACRP), he has demonstrated his dedication to creating harmony among cultures.

The founder of the Center for Dialogue and Cooperation among Civilizations (CDCC) also served as the Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Indonesia for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue and Cooperation from 2017 to 2018, as well as being a member of the Advisory Council of the King Abdulaziz International Centre for Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) since 2015.

With an unwavering spirit, Din is committed to weaving world peace through strengthening interfaith relations while promoting a peaceful and moderate face of Islam.

4. Personal Life and Family

Din Syamsuddin, an inspiring figure, has built a happy family with Fira Beranata, blessed with three adorable children: Farazahdi Fidiansyah, Mihra Dildari, and Fiardhi Farzanggi. In his role as a husband and father, Din is known as a polite figure and a role model for his children.

Not only that, the support from his mother-in-law, Darnelis binti Thaher, has also been a source of encouragement for Din as he navigates various life steps, from continuing his education in the United States to leading Muhammadiyah as the Chairman.

5. Perspectives on Democracy and Islam

In the view of Din Syamsuddin, an influential Muslim scholar, democracy must go hand in hand with the noble values of Islam such as justice, truth, and equality.

He argues that the success of political Islam in Indonesia should not only be measured by the number of votes garnered by Islamic parties or the dominance of political positions but rather by the ability to absorb and integrate these values into the soul and character of the nation.

According to him, the true victory of political Islam lies in how deeply these principles can take root in the life of the nation and the state, creating harmony that aligns with the teachings of religion.

6. What is Din Syamsuddin's role in Muhammadiyah?

Din Syamsuddin, a charismatic figure, once led the Central Leadership of Muhammadiyah as the General Chairman from 2005 to 2015.

Under his leadership, he successfully enhanced the image and influence of Muhammadiyah, not only in the homeland but also on the international stage, making this organization increasingly important in global affairs.

7. What is Din Syamsuddin's contribution to interfaith dialogue?

Din, with burning enthusiasm, actively promotes interfaith dialogue in various international forums, such as WCRP and ACRP.

He is committed to fostering harmonious relationships among religious communities, striving hard to create bridges of peace that will lead the world to a more peaceful and prosperous atmosphere.

8. What is Din's view on Islamic politics in Indonesia?

Din emphasizes that the victory of Islam in the political arena is not merely measured by the number of votes obtained, but more profoundly, through the implementation of noble Islamic values such as justice and truth in national life.

A vision that invites us to reflect on the true meaning of success, where morality and ethics become the main pillars in building a harmonious and civilized society.

(kpl/rmt)