The impetus for this intergenerational exchange emerged prominently during the "Youth Ask, Ulama Answer" session held at Pondok Pesantren Modern Daar el-Qolam in Tangerang Regency on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This particular event was a significant component of the "Maestro Summit: 2nd Meeting of Muslim Artists and Culturalists across Indonesia," serving concurrently as a vital preparatory phase for KUII VIII. The confluence of these events highlights a concerted effort by MUI to foster a vibrant intellectual and cultural environment where traditional religious scholarship meets contemporary youth aspirations, particularly within the dynamic sphere of arts and culture. The selection of Daar el-Qolam, a prominent modern pesantren, as the venue further signifies the commitment to engaging institutions that blend religious education with modern pedagogical approaches, providing a conducive environment for open and constructive dialogue.

Fostering Open Dialogue: The Core of the Initiative

Habiburrahman El Shirazy, the esteemed Chairman of LSBPI MUI and a celebrated novelist known for works like "Ayat-Ayat Cinta," articulated the deliberate design behind this forum. He emphasized that the gathering was meticulously crafted to bridge the generational gap, bringing ulama and young people together in an atmosphere of genuine and open dialogue. While the initial discussions were primarily anchored around themes of Islamic arts and culture, the santri were explicitly encouraged to extend their inquiries to encompass a broader spectrum of issues and challenges they encounter in their daily lives and spiritual journeys. This flexibility underscores LSBPI MUI’s understanding that the concerns of contemporary youth are multifaceted and transcend disciplinary boundaries, requiring a holistic approach to engagement. "The ulama are present with the youth. The main concept is for youth to ask about arts and culture, but it is also open to other fields," El Shirazy stated in his welcoming address, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the forum. This approach is critical in making the ulama accessible and relevant to a generation grappling with rapid societal changes and complex ethical dilemmas.

El Shirazy also took the opportunity to commend Pondok Pesantren Daar el-Qolam for its exemplary role as the host of the Maestro Summit. He specifically lauded the pesantren‘s culture of discipline, particularly its commitment to punctuality in commencing events, which he highlighted as a commendable tradition worthy of emulation and preservation. This acknowledgement extends beyond mere logistical efficiency; it subtly reinforces the Islamic value of orderliness (nizam) and respect for time, attributes that are deemed essential for personal development and collective progress. The discipline cultivated within such institutions is seen as foundational for nurturing future leaders who are not only intellectually astute but also possess strong character and ethical grounding.

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Challenges and the Call for Scholarly Authority

Ustadz Erick Yusuf, the Deputy Secretary General of MUI for Arts, Culture, and Islamic Civilization, provided a deeper context for the event, reiterating its crucial role as a pre-congress activity leading up to KUII VIII, scheduled at the Bidakara Hotel in Jakarta. He underscored the profound significance of every idea, question, and suggestion emanating from the santri, affirming that these inputs would be meticulously compiled and presented at the main congress. "The results of these pre-congress activities will be brought to KUII. So, if you, young brothers and sisters, provide input, thoughts, or questions, you are already contributing to the Indonesian Muslim Congress," he remarked, empowering the youth with the knowledge that their voices directly shape national Islamic discourse. This explicit connection between their participation and the national congress serves as a powerful motivator, transforming abstract discussions into concrete contributions to religious scholarship and community policy.

Erick Yusuf then delved into one of the most pressing challenges confronting the Muslim ummah today: the pervasive and often overwhelming influx of digital information. He specifically highlighted the emergent phenomenon of "AI-based ustadz" – artificial intelligence programs designed to simulate religious scholars – and the proliferation of social media influencers who, despite lacking adequate scholarly competence, command massive followings and are consequently perceived as authoritative religious figures. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to the integrity of religious knowledge and the traditional role of qualified ulama, potentially leading to misinterpretations and the propagation of inaccurate or superficial religious guidance. The digital age has democratized information, but also blurred the lines of authority, making it increasingly difficult for the average Muslim to discern authentic religious scholarship from mere popularity.

Against this backdrop, Erick Yusuf articulated a profound hope: that santri would rise to become the torchbearers of authentic Islamic knowledge, evolving into a new generation of ulama endowed with robust scholarly authority. This authority, he posited, is indispensable for providing accurate and reliable religious explanations to the wider community amidst the cacophony of the digital sphere. The emphasis here is not merely on knowledge acquisition but on the development of critical thinking, deep understanding, and the ethical responsibility to guide the ummah in an increasingly complex world. The pesantren system, with its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on traditional learning methodologies, is uniquely positioned to cultivate such authoritative figures, providing a bulwark against the superficiality of online religious discourse.

Youth as Architects of Civilization: A Call to Courage and Innovation

Adding his voice to the chorus of encouragement, KH Badarisyams, the Chairman of MUI Banten Province, expressed his profound appreciation for LSBPI MUI’s initiative in creating such a vital platform for youth dialogue. He asserted that young people are not merely passive recipients of tradition but are, in fact, the ultimate determinants of civilizational trajectories, and as such, their perspectives must never be underestimated or dismissed. His statement resonates with the broader Islamic tradition that emphasizes the dynamism of knowledge and the importance of continuous intellectual engagement across generations. Youth, with their fresh perspectives and innovative spirit, are seen as crucial for the revitalization and adaptation of religious principles to contemporary realities.

Badarisyams contended that rather than being marginalized, young individuals must be actively afforded every opportunity to engage in robust discussions and confidently articulate their viewpoints to the ulama. In a poignant historical reference, he quoted the revered Indonesian nationalist and religious scholar KH Wahid Hasyim, urging the younger generation to shed their fears of experimentation and inquiry. KH Wahid Hasyim, a pivotal figure in Indonesian independence and the father of former President Abdurrahman Wahid, was known for his progressive views on Islamic education and his emphasis on critical thinking. "If you want to do it, do it; don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Because even if it’s wrong, it will become a refinement in our lives," Badarisyams powerfully reiterated, channeling Hasyim’s spirit of intellectual courage. This quote serves as a profound philosophical underpinning for the entire initiative, advocating for a learning process that embraces trial and error as a pathway to deeper understanding and ultimately, perfection. It encourages a proactive approach to faith and knowledge, rather than a passive acceptance of established norms.

The Broader Canvas: Maestro Summit and KUII VIII

The "Maestro Summit: 2nd Meeting of Muslim Artists and Culturalists across Indonesia" serves as a crucial prelude to the larger KUII VIII. The Maestro Summit itself is designed to bring together leading Muslim artists, cultural practitioners, and intellectuals from various fields to discuss the role of Islamic arts and culture in contemporary Indonesian society. It explores how these artistic expressions can foster spiritual growth, promote ethical values, and contribute to national identity. By embedding the "Youth Ask, Ulama Answer" session within this summit, LSBPI MUI strategically links youth engagement directly with the broader cultural discourse, acknowledging that artistic and cultural expressions are powerful mediums for young people to articulate their faith and identity. The first Maestro Summit likely laid the groundwork for this second iteration, focusing on specific themes or regions, and its success would have informed the expanded scope of the current gathering.

The Indonesian Muslim Congress (KUII), an event with a rich history, is arguably the most significant national platform for consolidating the views and aspirations of the Indonesian Muslim ummah. Held periodically, KUII brings together representatives from various Islamic organizations, scholars, academics, and community leaders to deliberate on pressing issues facing Muslims in Indonesia and globally. Past congresses have addressed themes ranging from national unity and economic empowerment to religious moderation and responses to global challenges. The recommendations formulated at KUII often serve as a guiding framework for MUI’s policies, fatwas, and advocacy efforts, influencing government policies and public discourse. KUII VIII, therefore, is not just another conference; it is a critical juncture where the collective wisdom of the ummah is harnessed to chart a course for the future, and the integration of youth voices through these pre-congress initiatives marks a progressive evolution in its methodology.

The Crucial Role of Santri and Indonesian Youth

Indonesia, as the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, boasts a vibrant and diverse Islamic intellectual tradition, with pesantren playing a foundational role in shaping its religious landscape. There are thousands of pesantren across the archipelago, educating millions of santri in religious sciences, Arabic language, and increasingly, modern subjects. These institutions are not merely schools; they are self-contained communities that instill discipline, moral values, and a strong sense of Islamic identity. Santri, therefore, represent a significant demographic cohort, deeply immersed in religious learning, yet simultaneously exposed to the rapid changes of the modern world. Their unique position makes them ideal candidates for bridging traditional religious scholarship with contemporary societal needs.

The decision to specifically target santri for this dialogue reflects an understanding that they are the future custodians of religious knowledge and leadership. By empowering them to articulate their questions and concerns, MUI is not only gathering valuable feedback but also actively cultivating a generation of critical thinkers who are confident in engaging with religious authority. This approach is vital for ensuring the continued relevance and vitality of Islamic teachings in a rapidly evolving society. Indonesian youth, broadly, constitute a majority of the population, and their engagement in religious and cultural discourse is paramount for the nation’s stability and progress. Neglecting their voices would mean alienating a significant portion of the ummah from institutional religious guidance.

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Specifics of the Challenge

Erick Yusuf’s concerns about AI ustadz and social media influencers highlight a profound shift in how religious knowledge is accessed and consumed. The rise of AI chatbots capable of generating religious answers, while seemingly efficient, raises serious questions about the authenticity, nuance, and contextual understanding inherent in traditional fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and tafsir (Quranic exegesis). Religious rulings often require a deep understanding of human experience, cultural context, and the spirit of Islamic law, which AI, despite its sophistication, currently struggles to replicate. The risk is the dissemination of decontextualized or even erroneous religious advice that lacks the spiritual depth and ethical consideration of human scholarship.

Similarly, social media influencers, driven by algorithms and popularity metrics, can inadvertently or intentionally become purveyors of religious information without the necessary scholarly rigor. Their appeal often lies in charisma, accessibility, and relatability rather than deep theological expertise. This phenomenon creates a "knowledge gap" where followers may prioritize easily digestible content from influencers over more nuanced and authoritative guidance from qualified ulama. The implications are far-reaching, potentially leading to the trivialization of religious discourse, the rise of sectarianism fueled by online echo chambers, and a general erosion of trust in established religious institutions. For santri, who are trained in traditional methodologies, understanding and engaging with this digital landscape is not just about personal navigation but about developing strategies to counteract misinformation and provide credible alternatives. They are called to be digital da’is (preachers) with integrity and genuine scholarship.

MUI’s Vision for a Dynamic Islamic Civilization

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) plays a pivotal role in maintaining religious harmony, providing spiritual guidance, and representing the collective voice of Indonesian Muslims. Its LSBPI, specifically, focuses on the intersection of Islam with arts, culture, and civilization, recognizing that faith is not merely a set of rituals but a comprehensive way of life that inspires creativity, intellectual pursuits, and societal development. By initiating dialogues like "Youth Ask, Ulama Answer," LSBPI MUI is actively pursuing its vision of fostering a dynamic Islamic civilization in Indonesia—one that is rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, capable of adapting to modernity without compromising its core values.

This initiative is indicative of MUI’s broader strategy to remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the ummah. It acknowledges that effective religious leadership in the 21st century requires not just pronouncements but genuine engagement, listening, and understanding the lived realities of its constituents, particularly the youth. By creating platforms for intergenerational exchange, MUI aims to strengthen the bond between the ulama and the community, ensuring that religious guidance remains pertinent, compassionate, and impactful. It’s a proactive step towards cultivating intellectual leadership that can navigate complex global challenges, from technological disruptions to ethical dilemmas, while upholding the principles of Islam.

Implications and Future Outlook

The insights and recommendations generated from this "Youth Ask, Ulama Answer" session and other pre-congress events hold significant implications for KUII VIII. They will likely influence the agenda, resolutions, and long-term strategic plans of MUI. Specifically, it is anticipated that the congress will address:

1. Youth Engagement Strategies: Formalizing mechanisms for continuous youth participation in MUI’s activities and decision-making processes.
2. Digital Literacy and Religious Education: Developing comprehensive programs to enhance digital literacy among santri and the wider Muslim community, equipping them to discern credible religious information online and empowering them to become responsible digital citizens and content creators.
3. Strengthening Scholarly Authority: Reaffirming the importance of traditional religious education and academic rigor in producing qualified ulama who can effectively counter the challenges posed by AI and social media influencers.
4. Islamic Arts and Culture: Promoting Islamic arts and culture as avenues for spiritual expression, community building, and interfaith dialogue, encouraging youth participation in these fields.

The long-term vision behind these initiatives is to cultivate a new generation of ulama and Muslim intellectuals who are not only deeply rooted in Islamic tradition but also possess the critical thinking skills and adaptability to address contemporary issues. By empowering santri to engage confidently with ulama, LSBPI MUI is investing in the intellectual and spiritual future of Indonesia, ensuring that the trajectory of Islamic civilization in the archipelago remains vibrant, inclusive, and deeply relevant to the lives of its people. This progressive approach promises to bridge tradition with modernity, ensuring that the rich heritage of Islamic scholarship continues to inspire and guide future generations amidst an ever-changing world. The success of KUII VIII, underpinned by these crucial pre-congress dialogues, will be a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to nurturing an enlightened and dynamic Muslim ummah.