Minister of Religious Affairs: UIII to Strengthen Indonesia as a Global Center of Islamic Tolerance, Supporting the President’s Vision to Internationalize Indonesia

Jakarta, October 31, 2024 – The Rector of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), Prof. Dr. Jamhari, along with UIII’s senior leadership, recently met with Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Lapangan Banteng, Jakarta. This meeting focused on strategic initiatives to position Indonesia as a global center for Islamic tolerance and scholarship.

Minister Nasaruddin highlighted the importance of showcasing Indonesia’s harmonious interfaith relations and tolerant Muslim-majority population on the world stage. Reflecting on President Prabowo’s vision, he stated, “Our aim is to promote not only Indonesia’s natural beauty but also its commitment to education and the harmony of civilizations.”

He further emphasized his goal of shifting the global center of Islamic civilization from the Middle East to Indonesia, given Indonesia’s stable geopolitical position, rapid economic growth, low inflation, and religious harmony. “Future Islamic civilization requires a geopolitically stable foundation, and Indonesia meets this criterion well,” he said. “Both Western and Eastern blocs embrace us as a stable, Muslim-majority nation with harmonious interfaith relations.”

UIII’s Commitment to the Vision

Rector Prof. Dr. Jamhari expressed full support for this vision, underscoring UIII’s role in making Indonesia a global Islamic center. “This vision aligns perfectly with UIII’s mission, and we are ready to design a roadmap to further internationalize Indonesian universities,” he said. “With students from across OIC member countries, UIII is viewed as a welcoming environment for learning, embodying Indonesia’s dedication to tolerance and scholarship.”

UIII has already advanced this vision through partnerships, offering double-degree programs with prestigious universities worldwide, and by developing facilities to support international collaborations.

The UIII delegation accompanying Prof. Dr. Jamhari included University Secretary Chaider Bamualim, Ph.D.; Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Phil. Syafiq Hasyim; Vice Rector for Finance and Planning, Prof. Dr. Amsal Bakhtiar; Director of Research and Partnerships, Saiful Umam, Ph.D.; and Naufal Zikrulloh from the University Secretariat.

More From News

UIII Campus Inaugurated in 2022, These are the First 4 Faculties to Be Opened

Editorial: Building Epistemic Community at UIII

Yaqut Cholil Qoumas: Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) is ready to operate this year.