International, Indonesian scholars discuss global challenges at CONN3CT

CONN3CT is organized by the Strong Minor Project on January 11-12, 2025, at Jakarta’s sports stadium ISTORA Senayan, featuring Indonesian scholars and four international scholars from three countries.

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The annual international contemporary Muslim event, CONN3CT, organized by the Strong Minor Project, is taking place on January 11-12, 2025, at Jakarta’s sports stadium ISTORA Senayan, featuring Indonesian scholars and four international scholars from three countries.

They include Indonesia’s Ustadz Khalid Basalamah and Ustadz Subhan Bawazier, while the international scholars attending CONN3CT are Mufti Menk from Zimbabwe, Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem from Saudi Arabia, as well as Sheikh Ali Hammuda and Sheikh Abu Taymiyyah from England.

“The speakers at CONN3CT are not only those who are viral in various media, especially social media, but they also possess knowledge and competence,” said CEO of The Strong Minor Project, Ratna Galih, during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday.

She continued, stating that CONN3CT specifically targets Gen Z, whose lives are closely tied to digital technology and the rapid flow of information.

“The challenges of the modern era are increasingly complex and diverse, requiring us to be responsive to adapt to the dynamics of rapid changes. Therefore, at CONN3CT 2025, we focus on discussions to enhance deep religious understanding that is relevant to global challenges, mastery of digital marketing, and the expansion of business networks. This theme was chosen to meet the needs of the people in the modern era,” she explained.

According to Ratna, the event programs in CONN3CT 2025 are focused on the challenges faced by today’s generation, one of which is a discussion on parenting.

“Children today easily experience depression because of an overwhelming amount of information, yet there is no shield for them. We hope this event can help parents prepare the next generation to face the overflow of information.”

Sharing an opinion with Ratna Galih, Head of Media Relations for CONN3CT 2025, Raden Dzaky Maulana Irfan, emphasized that Gen Z has already developed a stereotype about Islam.

“As a member of Gen Z, I also initially thought that Islam was complicated. In fact, Islam is very broad, encompassing both the worldly and the hereafter, which both of which must be attained,” he said.

Therefore, this year’s CONN3CT concept is different from previous events. “In addition to spreading Islam and strengthening faith by bringing in teachers from both domestic and international backgrounds, we also want to improve the skills of the community through experience-sharing sessions with practitioners,” Dzaky explained.

He continued, saying that CONN3CT 2025, which is the third edition, will feature several side programs in the form of interactive classes.

The Strong Minor Project will continue to enhance the CONN3CT event to ensure it is eagerly awaited by the wider community, he said.

The Strong Minor Project, Dzaky added, is expected to grow into a social movement that strengthens the identity and faith of Muslims around the world.

“In the future, we hope that CONN3CT can be held in several cities across Indonesia to provide broader benefits to the ummah,” Dzaky said.

Below are the speakers and the topics they will cover in CONN3CT.

Mufti Menk
Topic: Remembering Death
Content: A Motivation for Living Better

Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem
Topic: The Importance of Self-Reflection
Content: Realizing Life’s Journey Towards the Hereafter

Sheikh Ali Hammuda
Topic: The Foundations of a Muslim Majority Country
Content: Balancing Faith and Diversity

Sheikh Abu Taymiyyah
Topic: The Wisdom Behind Trials
Content: A Path to Closeness with Allah

Ustadh Khalid Basalamah
Topic: Patience and Gratitude
Content: Two Keys to Facing Trials of Life

Ustadh Subhan Bawazier
Topic: It’s Never Too Late to Seek Guidance (Hidayah)
Content:
Allah will provide light on the path of guidance (hidayah)
Allah will forgive those who seek guidance (hidayah)

Reporting by Indonesia Window