GMRI Extra Special Discussion: War for Peace with Prof. Dr. (HC) KH. Muhammad Habib Khirzin
JAKARTA-JAYA NEWS.COM – The GMRI (Indonesian Moral Reconciliation Movement) extra special discussion forum featured the experiences of Prof. Dr. (HC) KH. Muhammad Habib Khirzin, GMRI’s Main Advisor, regarding the 9th World Peace Forum meeting, which recently took place in Jakarta, November 9-11, 2025, with the agreement that there should no longer be war in the world under any pretext.
The 9th World Peace Forum (WPF), organized by the International Forum — Center for Dialogue and Cooperation Among Civilizations (CDCC) in collaboration with the Cheng Ho Multi-Culture Education Trust (Malaysia) and the Global Forum of Muslim Women (GFMW), carried the biennial theme “Considering Wasatiyyat Islam and Tionghoa for Global Collaboration,” highlighting the contribution of Wasatiyyat Islam (Moderate Islam) values and Chinese cultural wisdom as the foundation for just and peaceful global collaboration.
The event, attended by more than 60 figures from 24 countries and 110 Indonesian national figures, including Habib Khirzin, expressed their belief in the strategic position of the WPF as a global forum across religions and cultures.
This important topic at the forum was among those presented by Habib Khirzin, the Principal Patron of GMRI, at a special GMRI event held on November 12, 2025, at the GMRI Secretariat, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 4A, Jakarta. Center.
The shift from the Cold War, from National Security to Human Security, was a fascinating topic presented by Habib Khirzin to friends and relatives of GMRI (Indonesian Muslim Religious Association) members from Solo and Yogyakarta. He was joined by friends and relatives from Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, and the surrounding areas, creating a grand reunion of GMRI friends and relatives. The discussion then continued into a second round of discussions that lasted until dawn.
The most important point from Habib Khirzin’s presentation was the importance of security and a sense of comfort for humans to live in a peaceful environment. For example, Japan has been developing human security in the form of assistance for several years, including providing assistance to the Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, an educational institution for communities still steeped in traditional traditions. According to Habib Khirzin, who is also the caretaker of the Pabelan Islamic Boarding School in Muntilan, Central Java, Japan has received aid from Japan. This was because Japan chose to end World War II by channeling funds for the military and war costs into various forms of assistance that were more socially valuable and beneficial to the community.
However, the absence of war does not necessarily mean a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere. According to prominent international peace activists, the reality remains unsettling and unsafe. Therefore, Habib Khirzin stated, efforts to prevent war remain necessary.
In the context of peace in Indonesia, Habib Khirzin recounted a meeting between Yusuf Kalla and the Commander of the Free Aceh War and the Commander of the Poso War. From the war commander’s account, he received reports of people disappearing from detention. In fact, the war waged by the Acehnese people—often called rebels—was actually intended by the Acehnese fighters themselves as an effort to humanize them as dignified and noble human beings.
“So we fight,” said one of the Acehnese fighters, “to achieve peace. Because what has happened so far, even though there are peace agreements, we are always betrayed,” Habib Khirzin quoted a prisoner he met in prison.
This is how, in official international forums, the idea of a peace economy—as a replacement for the tradition and culture of war—has begun to divert funds for war, such as weapons and war equipment—to be realized in the form of equipment that has economic value for the people, to the point of being called “peace economy” in the form of household appliances needed by the people.
Misuse of power—the misuse of weapons of war—starting from a single bullet means it continues to harm the welfare of the people where the shooting or war occurs, explained Habib Khirzin.
Regarding spirituality, as initiated and driven by Sri Eko Sriyanto Galgendu and his colleagues, in the near future there will be a meeting with figures from various countries to introduce short peace at the Pabelan Islamic Boarding School on November 26, 2025, said Habib Khirzin, informing about the upcoming international event at the Pabelan Islamic Boarding School in Muntilan, Central Java.
World Diplomacy Community—direct diplomacy between people not directly connected by state from various parts of the world—has been initiated by a foreign activist and we need to follow suit. So, spiritual diplomacy Mas Eko and his friends are very likely to be able to promote the movement of awakening spiritual awareness and understanding, thus promoting a global movement of awakening and spreading spiritual awareness and understanding.
After the first round of discussions—because Mas Habib had to return to Yogyakarta that evening—the second round of discussions continued until early morning.
Present from the beginning were Father Sunardjo, Dr. Budi from Yogyakarta, along with Guntur and Momok from Solo, Wawan Subenu, Prof. Yudhie Hartono, and Bowo, along with several postgraduate students, and Gus Baidhowi. From the event’s organizers, Wowok Prastowo and Joyo Yudhantoro appeared to be the busiest in this series of discussions.**
Pecenongan, November 13, 2025
Jacob Ereste
( Freelance Journalist )
—–
