UIII Strengthens Academic and Interfaith Cooperation at the Fifth Indonesia-Serbia Dialogue

Belgrade, Serbia – A series of bilateral events between Indonesia and Serbia culminated in the Fifth Interfaith Dialogue (DLA) held on November 12, 2024, at the historic Palace of Serbia in Belgrade. Among the highlights was the active participation of Prof. Jamhari Makruf, Rector of Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), who played a vital role in advancing discussions on tolerance and interfaith harmony.  

This year’s dialogue, themed “Building Understanding, Harmony, and Tolerance,” brought together faith leaders, government representatives, and academics to explore collaborative strategies for addressing modern societal challenges. Prof. Jamhari’s contributions underlined the role of academia in fostering interfaith understanding and promoting global peace.    

Academic Leadership in Interfaith Harmony   

Representing UIII, a flagship institution for Islamic scholarship in Indonesia, Prof. Jamhari delivered a presentation that emphasized the importance of universities as platforms for dialogue and collaboration. He highlighted UIII’s commitment to integrating education with interfaith initiatives, showcasing how academic institutions can drive cultural understanding.   

“Tolerance begins with education,” Prof. Jamhari stated. “By fostering intellectual exchange and cultural awareness, we can prepare future leaders to uphold values of peace and inclusivity in an increasingly interconnected world.”   

Prof. Jamhari also underscored Indonesia’s unique model of interfaith harmony, rooted in the national philosophy of Pancasila. He shared insights on how this philosophy serves as a foundation for promoting coexistence and bridging divides.   

Advancing Global Partnerships   

The dialogue also featured a groundbreaking meeting between the University of Belgrade and Indonesian higher education leaders, including Prof. Jamhari and rectors from other Indonesian religious universities. The discussions culminated in plans for formal academic collaborations through memorandums of understanding, set to be signed soon. These partnerships aim to facilitate student exchanges, joint research, and cross-cultural initiatives between the two nations.   

“Collaboration between universities is key to sustaining interfaith dialogue,” Prof. Jamhari remarked. “By combining our resources and expertise, we can address shared challenges and promote mutual understanding across borders.”    

A Milestone in Indonesia-Serbia Relations   

The Fifth Indonesia-Serbia Interfaith Dialogue marked a significant milestone in celebrating 70 years of bilateral relations. It was complemented by exhibitions of diplomatic archives, showcasing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, and a public lecture on Pancasila by Ambassador Darmansyah Djumala at the University of Belgrade.   

In his lecture, Ambassador Djumala lauded Pancasila as a universal ideology recognized by UNESCO, embodying values of divinity, humanity, unity, democracy, and social justice. The event further engaged Serbian students with a display of Indonesia’s cultural richness, including traditional snacks such as kue lapis, onde-onde, and risoles.    

A Shared Vision for Peace and Education   

As part of the dialogue’s outcomes, both delegations issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to student exchanges and interfaith education programs. The next dialogue is scheduled to take place in Indonesia in 2026, signaling continued cooperation.   

Through his active participation, Prof. Jamhari reinforced UIII’s role as a global leader in fostering interfaith dialogue and academic collaboration. The university’s vision of blending education with tolerance and peacebuilding exemplifies Indonesia’s enduring contributions to global harmony.  

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