Islam has become today one of the most misunderstood religions of the world, in large part owing to the U.S.-led global drive against terrorism. The political color given to Islam has given rise to a spectrum of misconceptions about Islam and Muslims, many of them unfounded and unfair. Unfortunately, these misconceptions also shared by some in Southeast Asia where Islam has found expression in the aspiration for autonomy of one sort or another, as in Thailand and the Philippines, or where links with terrorist groups are suspected.

As a major religion in the region, Islam deserves serious attention on its own. The five-day seminar will examine the varied facets, role and impact of Islam in Southeast Asia. A distinguished group of Southeast Asian scholars from different disciplines will lead the lectures, workshops, and tour. With the support of Japan Foundation, SEASREP will hold the seminar on 30 October–3 November 2006 in Surabaya, Indonesia.

B. Objectives

The purposes of the seminar are:

1. To examine the complexity of Islam and its profound impact on Southeast Asian cultures, politics, and societies.

2. To explore how Islam has been appropriated by the region and the dynamics of Islamic communities in the region.

3. To provide insights on possible research areas on Islam in Southeast Asia and an opportunity to interact with Southeast Asian scholars.

C. Participants

The seminar is open to Ph.D. students in the social sciences and humanities. Participants should be proficient in English, which will be the main language of the seminar.

D. Lecture Topics

1. Perspective and themes in Southeast Asian studies
2. Theories on the Origin of Islam in Southeast Asia
3. Syariah and Cultural Politics in Southeast Asia
4. Madrassah and Islamic Education in Southeast Asia
5. Lecture tour on Islam in Indonesia and history of Surabaya
6. Gender and Islam in Southeast Asia
7. Southeast Asian Expressions of Islam
8. Islamic Politics and Conflict Resolution in Southern Thailand
9. Peacemaking in Southern Philippines

E. Fees and Other Arrangements

The course fee is US$650, inclusive of hotel accommodation (6 nights) and all meals from 30 October to 3 November 2006, airport transfers from Juanda International Airport to hotel, lecture tour, and kits **.

* Garuda Indonesia flies ten times daily from Jakarta to Surabaya.
** The seminar kit will be mailed a month before the seminar.

F. Applications

Interested applicants may send a one-page CV and letter of intent explaining his or her interest in the seminar to islam@seasrepfoundation.org on or before 31 May 2006. Notice of admission to the course will be sent by 30 June 2006 along with other details. Payment must be remitted by 31 August 2006.

G. Contact SEASREP

For more information, please contact:

The SEASREP Foundation
Unit 7-D, One Burgundy Plaza
307 Katipunan Road
Loyola Heights, Quezon City 1108
Philippines
Tel. No. 632-4361669
Telefax 632-4361668
E-mail: islam@seasrepfoundation.org