“Jewish Does Not Necessarily Mean Israeli, and Israel Is Not Always Zionist.”

Is Jewish nationalism—Zionism—now evolving into a political tool to legitimize Israel’s territorial expansion? And where does Indonesia stand as a peace mediator on the global stage amid the Palestine–Israel conflict?

Yogyakarta, 8 November 2025 — The Student Association of Arabic Study Program (IKMASA), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Arab World Youth Summit with the theme “Determining Direction: Grand Narratives and Indonesia’s Strategic Steps in the Arab World” on Saturday (8/11) at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM. This biennial summit featured a series of programs including a campus tour, Sahara panel discussion, focus group discussion (FGD), group presentation, personal speech sessions, and an awarding ceremony.

The event welcomed invited guests and 45 youth delegates consisting of students from Indonesia and several other countries, including Pakistan, Tanzania, Palestine, and Kenya.

Before the official opening, delegates joined a campus tour guided by eight co-facilitators representing each firqah: Syria, Palestine, Libya, Morocco, Iraq, Qatar, Tunisia, and Egypt. The route began at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and continued through several UGM faculties, including the Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, and finally the Main Building (GSP) and Balairung UGM. This activity served not only as an introduction to UGM’s academic environment but also as an opportunity to strengthen communication and build collaborative enthusiasm among participants. 

After returning to FIB, delegates enjoyed a coffee break before moving into the main agenda. The event officially opened with remarks from the emcee, followed by the Sahara panel discussion featuring two keynote speakers: Mohammed Adil Salim Algoul, S.T., M.T., M.Ag., Imam and Khatib of Al-Ikhlas Mosque, Nuseirat, Gaza; and Prof. Dr. Siti Muti’ah Setiawati, M.A., Professor of Middle Eastern Geopolitics, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UGM. This session was moderated by Azky Zidane Qoimul Haq, Project Director of Madara UGM, the session explored the dynamics of the Palestine–Israel conflict and Indonesia’s diplomatic role.

Prof. Siti Muti’ah highlighted Indonesia’s early commitment to human rights, having signed the UN Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. She emphasized that the rights of the Palestinian people have been violated, while Israel continues to breach international law, human rights conventions, and humanitarian principles.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Adil offered a critical geopolitical reflection:

“It is wrong to say America controls Israel. Even political leaders—including the U.S. President—have stated that Israel controls America because of the Zionist lobby. The term Zionist is bigger than Israel.”

He also noted Zionism’s skill in crafting terminology to shape social narratives, drawing parallels with historical divide-and-rule strategies in Indonesia, such as the santri–priyayi–abangan classification. He argued that Palestine must counter these narratives by producing alternative terminology.

The summit continued with a 45-minute Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving all delegates. This session became a space for dialogue, collaborative thinking, and drafting strategic narratives concerning Indonesia’s role in the Arab world. Delegates then presented their group outcomes, followed by personal speeches designed to enhance public speaking skills.

As the event neared its conclusion, the committee announced the winners of IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Madara Essay Presentation Competition), a national essay competition with student and university categories. The awards included: Best Group Presentation: Syria Firqah and The Most Outstanding Delegate at the Arab World Youth Summit 2025: As’ad Najmuddin, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

The Arab World Youth Summit reflects Madara UGM’s vision as more than just a media platform or discussion forum—rather, it embodies the spirit of dialogue, critical thinking, and cross-border collaboration. The initiative aligns strongly with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The future belongs to those who open spaces for dialogue—not those who build barriers. Today, Indonesia’s youth stand at the threshold of shaping diplomatic direction, constructing grand narratives, and formulating strategic pathways for engagement with the Arab world.

Author: Hashifa Zara Ahfiyani 

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