Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The close relations between Indonesia and Morocco have been established since the 13th century, Indonesian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco Hasrul Azwar said at a virtual discussion on Thursday (Oct 15).

"In the 13th century, Ibn Battuta, a scientist and explorer from Morocco, sailed to Aceh (Indonesia’s westernmost region) in 1345," Ambassador Hasrul said at an online seminar Islamic Scientific Interaction Between Indonesia and Morocco organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Rabat along with the Moroccan Embassy in Jakarta.

The event presented Indonesian academics Prof. Amani Lubis and Dr. Eka Putra Wirman, and those from Morocco, Dr. Mohammed Rougi and Dr. Khalid Zahry.

The speakers pointed out the interactions between Indonesia and Morocco have been happening since the 13th century up to the present.

They also explained that Sheikh Maulana Malik Ibrahim or Sunan (Javanese tittle for Muslim scholars) Gresik was an intellectual from Morocco, and spread Islam in the 16th century in Indonesia.

In addition, the close relations between Indonesia and Morocco are also proven by the use of books written by Moroccan scholars in a number of Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia, and the existence of Tijaniyah group from Morocco in the archipelagic country.

At present, the relations between Indonesia and Morocco is strongly indicated by the large number of Indonesian students studying at various universities in the North African country, as well as the participation of Indonesian scholars as speakers at the Durus Al-Hasaniyah (Hassanian Lectures) event.

Durus Al-Hasaniyah is closely related to King Hasan II (1929-1999) because he was the one who revived the scientific lecture tradition, which began in the days of Sultan Hasan I (1873-1894) at the Morocco Kingdom’s Palace, and developed the event.

The king frequently served as a speaker, or was directly involved in religious discussions and debates with various sources.

Meanwhile, Prof. Amani Lubis said currently UIN (Indonesian State Islamic University) Syarif Hidayatullah is planning to establish a Center for Indonesian Studies at ibn Tufail University in Quneitra, Morocco.

The plan is expected to strengthen people-to-people connection between the two countries, and enhance the economic cooperation, especially in the bilateral trade sector.

The online seminar was held to commemorate diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Morocco.

Other events are online seminars on cooperation among local administrations in the two countries on October 22, 2020, virtual business meetings, national film screenings, and cultural exhibitions of the two countries.

Reporting by Indonesia Window