AMINEF is saddened to learn of the passing of the prominent Indonesian ulema, author, and Fulbright alumnus Prof. Dr. K.H. Ahmad Syafii Maarif, on May 27, 2022, in Yogyakarta, at the age of 87.

Prof. Maarif led Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s most prominent Muslim organizations, from 1998-to 2005. He also taught at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (formerly IKIP Yogyakarta) where he received his professorship in 1996, Universitas Islam Indonesia, and Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta. He co-founded Maarif Institute in 2003. He won several awards, such as Ramon Magsaysay (2008) dan Habibie Award (2010), for his activism in interreligious peace and tolerance issues.

Kompas newspaper awarded him as one of the five most dedicated intellectuals in Indonesia in 2013.

Prof. Maarif received a Fulbright Master’s Degree Program in 1976, where he studied Asian history at Ohio University. His thoughts on his Fulbright year and the program’s benefit were captured in the 2012 publication marking the 20th anniversary of AMINEF and the 60th year of the Fulbright program in Indonesia.

“Fulbright offered me an opportunity to go to America. Living in the United States opened my eyes and my heart, and taught me to think freely.”

He thinks Fulbright can play a role by making it possible for more American intellectuals to come to Indonesia to learn about global understanding. At the same time, Fulbright can also help Indonesians to interact more with each other and understand their own diversity. Buya Syafii is of the opinion that while Indonesians are in America, their hearts are open to understanding the richness and beauty of their own backyard.

President Joko Widodo, in his Facebook post expresses his condolences, “On behalf of the government, the people of Indonesia, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Buya Syafii. May all the deeds of his worship be accepted by Allah SWT, his mistakes are forgiven, and all the families left behind are patient and steadfast. Farewell to the Teacher of the nation.”

All of us at AMINEF extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.

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Prof. Ma’arif’s profile at the AMINEF alumni directory

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News source and obituary: Muhammadiyah’s website.

*Prof. Maarif’s full interview in the 60/20 AMINEF/Fulbright Indonesia “From the Sea to the Shining Sea” publication, page 78 – 80 (bilingual English and Indonesia)