The Head of the Master’s Program in English Language Education, Postgraduate Program, Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Alauddin Makassar, Sukirman, S.Pd., M.Pd., Ph.D., who is currently attending a Program visiting scholar Fully funded by kemenag at the university, delivered a compelling presentation on the local wisdom of South Sulawesi at the Community Prayer forum at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU), United States.
Before an interfaith community of religious leaders, academics, and students from diverse faith backgrounds, he presented a talk titled “Siri’ Safeguards Faith, Pacce Nurtures Humanity: Cherishing Diversity in the Land of Bugis-Makassar.” He explained that the local culture of South Sulawesi does not conflict with religious values but instead serves as a vessel that strengthens inclusivity and religious moderation (wasathiyah).
Two philosophical pillars of Bugis-Makassar society were the focus of the presentation:
Siri’ is understood as moral integrity, honor, and adherence to ethical values. In religious life, Siri’ serves as a bulwark that safeguards the steadfastness of faith and prevents actions that undermine human dignity.
Pacce (Pesse) reflects collective empathy, deep care, and boundless compassion. Pacce teaches that the suffering of others, regardless of religious background, is a shared grief that all are obliged to help alleviate.
The presentation also traced the history of Islam’s arrival in South Sulawesi through a gentle and accommodating cultural approach, as exemplified by earlier ulama and national figures such as Sheikh Yusuf Al-Makassari. The traditions of Sipakatau (mutual humanization), Sipakalebbi (mutual respect), and Sipakainge (mutual reminding) were affirmed as valuable social capital for preserving diversity and building bridges of peace in the global era.
“Siri’ and Pacce are not merely cultural heritage; they are living values that are in harmony with the teachings of Islam on guarding dignity and spreading compassion,” said Sukirman, S.Pd., M.Pd., Ph.D. “We wanted to show that Bugis-Makassar local wisdom can serve as a bridge for interfaith dialogue and as Indonesia’s tangible contribution to world peace.”
The Community Prayer session at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Participants from various faith traditions expressed high appreciation for the concept of Siri’ na Pacce as a genuine contribution of Indonesian local wisdom to interfaith dialogue and world peace.
The Head of the International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar, Dr. Serliah Nur, M.Hum., M.Ed., congratulated him on the achievement.
“On behalf of the International Office, I extend my warmest congratulations to Dr. Sukirman. We are truly proud to see our university’s academic voice and the cultural values of South Sulawesi welcomed so warmly on an international stage like Hartford,” said Dr. Serliah.
The International Office of UIN Alauddin Makassar views this engagement as a meaningful step in strengthening the university’s international presence and its commitment to peaceful, inclusive interfaith dialogue.
