The Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS) at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a Wednesday Forum on Wednesday, February 19th 2025, in Room 306, 3rd Floor, UGM Graduate School Building. This regular CRCS event serves as an open discussion platform for students and the general public, featuring speakers from activists and researchers.
The topic discussed was “New Saudi Arabia and the Politics of Religious Reform,” which is particularly interesting as Saudi Arabia has undergone a series of comprehensive transformations as part of the country’s Vision 2030. The discussion was attended by CRCS lecturers, including Dr. Zainal Abidin Bagir, Dr. Dicky Sofjan, Prof. Etty Indriati, and Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Ahnaf.
The speaker at this event was Prof. Stéphane Lacroix, a renowned professor from Sciences Po Paris with expertise in cultural studies and Arabic language instruction in Europe. Prof. Lacroix holds a strong educational background, with a PhD in Political Science from Sciences Po in 2007, after completing two Master degrees—one in Arabic Language and Civilization from INALCO, and another in Mathematics from Paris VI. His dissertation was awarded the annual prize from the French Association for the Social Sciences of Religion (Association Française de Sciences Sociales des Religions).
During this event, Prof. Lacroix stated that although his latest research is not about Saudi Arabia, the country always attracts attention due to its complexity. He aimed to share analytical elements regarding religious transformation in Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia’s transformation began in 2015, with its historical relationship with religion being implemented into the government system,” said Prof. Lacroix. In the discussion, Prof. Lacroix examined the political and social dynamics occurring in Saudi Arabia, including government efforts to reform religious understanding and their impact on society. He also highlighted the challenges faced in this transformation process and its implications for international relations and regional stability.
This event provided in-depth insights into the changes occurring in Saudi Arabia and the crucial role of critical thinking in understanding these dynamics. Such discussions are essential for broadening our understanding of global issues that affect our daily lives.
Author: Asti Rahmaningrum