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| Nafik Muthohirin, a lecturer at UMM who is currently pursuing his PhD studies at Eotvos Lorand (ELTE) University in Budapest, Hungary (Photo: Special). |
Nafik Muthohirin, a lecturer at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Eotvos Lorand (ELTE) University in Budapest, Hungary. His choice of Budapest was not only due to the scholarship he received but also because of the strong compatibility he felt with his supervisor at the university. Nafik's supervisor is an expert in Islamic and Arabic studies and is involved in research on Muslim communities in Sulawesi and Lombok. This was a key factor for Nafik in deciding to pursue his Ph.D. studies abroad.
According to him, choosing a supervisor is crucial for doctoral studies. He feels fortunate to have a friendly and open-minded advisor, even to the point where their relationship feels like that of close friends, allowing for casual conversations. “The doctoral program at ELTE takes four years—two years of coursework and two years of research. Once finished, Nafik plans to return to Indonesia. For him, life is more comfortable in his own country, and he also has responsibilities as a lecturer at UMM.”
The field he pursues is Contemporary Religious Studies, aligning with Nafik's previous research. He admitted to having been interested in social and religious issues since his undergraduate studies. For him, researching the development of religious communities, especially Muslims in Indonesia, is akin to practicing social worship. With great enthusiasm, he hopes that his knowledge will eventually make a significant contribution to the nation, the country, and, of course, UMM.
While living in Budapest, Nafik was impressed by the beauty of the historic architecture that makes this city a top tourist destination in Europe. Additionally, he was amazed by the organized and punctual public transportation system. "Here, transportation is always on time. It’s clean, orderly, and the technology is advanced. This is a striking difference compared to Indonesia. Hopefully, we can also have better transportation," he said.
One of Nafik's favorite places in Budapest is the university library located in the city center. The building's architecture is distinctive, featuring a medieval European style. Many students from other campuses also come to this library to spend time, often staying from morning until late afternoon due to its quiet and conducive atmosphere.
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To fill his free time, Nafik enjoys visiting museums in Budapest, especially on public holidays when museums open to the public. "Museums here aren’t just places to store historical artifacts; they’re well-managed. At the Hungarian National Museum, for instance, there's a café and accessory vendors. Sometimes, there are even art performances," he explained enthusiastically. (vin/wil/ind)
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