MALANG, Indonesia – A warm dialogue in a corner of Malang city transformed into a space for intellectual exchange and family gathering, as top Indonesian cultural figures gathered to discuss one of the most misunderstood nations in the world: Iran.
Professor Saqaf Al-Saqaf, head of the Regional Leadership Council of the Ahl al-Bayt Association of Indonesia (DPD ABI) for Malang, along with Muhammad from the association's economic empowerment department, met with Aji Prastiyo, a well-known cultural figure and cartoonist from Malang.
What emerged was a frank reassessment of the Islamic Republic—a country that, according to Prastiyo, has been systematically misrepresented.
Breaking the stereotype
Prastiyo, who is not only active in creating visual art but also consistently offers critical perspectives on history, culture, and global developments, admitted that he once held the common prejudice against religious societies.
"I used to think—and I found it somewhat logical—that countries that are too religious usually suffer from intellectual and economic backwardness," Prastiyo confessed during the discussion. "But recently, I have come to realize that Iran is an exception."
In his view, Iran has proven that religious identity can move in tandem with intellectual progress and national independence—a direct challenge to the secularist narrative promoted by Western media.
Why target schools? The cartoonist's question
The conversation then turned to the recent US-Israeli aggression against Iran. Prastiyo pointed to a pattern that he said cannot be dismissed as coincidence.
"Look at this recent war. Why have Iran's schools and universities become primary targets of American missiles?" he asked. "Because for America, the awareness and intelligence of the Iranian people are considered a threat."
His observation drew a sharp response from Professor Saqaf Abdullah, who argued that Iran's unique characteristics cannot be separated from the foundations of its political system.
Indonesia takes note: Guardianship of Jurist as a model
"What distinguishes Iran from others is the implementation of the system of Guardianship of Jurist as the foundation of its constitution," Saqaf explained. "This system was accepted by the majority of the Iranian people through a referendum. It has been implemented democratically across various sectors and has brought about outstanding achievements in numerous fields."
The DPD ABI chief emphasized that Iran's political model—rooted in Islamic jurisprudence yet operating through popular participation—offers an alternative to both Western liberal democracy and authoritarian secularism.
Coffeehouse diplomacy
The conversation continued late into the evening in a warm but content-rich atmosphere. The gathering demonstrated that even informal spaces like coffee shops can become venues for deep reflection, critical analysis of global issues, and the building of cross-cultural understanding.
As Prastiyo's evolving perspective suggests, the Iranian model—rooted in faith, resistance, and intellectual pursuit—continues to challenge conventional Western paradigms, resonating even in the distant archipelago of Indonesia.
Your Comment