Yogyakarta — Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN Sunan Kalijaga) has launched the 8th Sunan Kalijaga Arabic Festival (Sukarabic Fest), an international gathering of students and scholars celebrating the richness of Arabic language and literature. The event draws participants from more than 50 universities and schools across Indonesia and Southeast Asia, positioning Yogyakarta as a hub of cultural and academic exchange.

The festival features a wide range of competitions—including debates, storytelling, Arabic singing, essay writing, oratory, calligraphy, hadrah, and poetry recitation—designed to deepen appreciation for Arabic while enhancing cross-cultural collaboration. Organizers emphasized that the event is not only a contest of skills but also a platform to reaffirm Arabic as a language of scholarship, diplomacy, and global dialogue.

Dean of the Faculty of Adab and Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Nurdin, called the festival a milestone achievement. “This event elevates our department and showcases UIN Sunan Kalijaga on the international stage. Arabic is a language recognized worldwide—used in diplomacy, in academic forums, and of course as the language of religion,” he said at the opening ceremony.

The Head of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Dr. Habib, underscored Arabic literature’s enduring impact on human civilization. “From classical poetry depicting desert life to modern works addressing social, political, and humanitarian issues, Arabic literature continues to leave an indelible mark on global thought,” he noted.

For international participants, the festival serves as a transformative experience. Abdul Hakim, a student from Ghana currently studying at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, said the event not only strengthened his confidence in speaking Arabic but also broadened his intellectual horizons. “My readings are more diverse now, and my critical thinking skills are sharper,” he shared.

Beyond competition, Sukarabic Fest stands as a cultural and intellectual forum, affirming Arabic’s relevance in the digital era and its role as a bridge of civilizations. Organizers hope the festival will inspire young scholars to carry Arabic studies into broader global conversations.

(humassk)