From Belgrade to Jakarta: Advancing Religious Moderation Through Global Cooperation

Indonesia and Serbia held the 5th Interfaith Dialogue (DLA) in Belgrade, Serbia, from November 11 to 14, 2024. This initiative aimed to enhance bilateral relations through interfaith and intercultural cooperation.  

The dialogue was led by the Director General of Public Diplomacy from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Center for Religious Harmony (PKUB) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Administration for Cooperation with Churches and Religious Communities under the Ministry of Justice of Serbia. This marks the fifth bilateral dialogue, with the fourth dialogue previously held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. 

The Head of the Center for Religious Harmony (PKUB) at Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Adib Abdushomad, emphasized the importance of the dialogue during a phone interview on Friday (15/11/2024). The event carried the theme “With Dialogue to Peace: Tolerance and Culture” and sought to strengthen religious moderation, interfaith harmony, and global peace.   

“Since its inception in 2004, Indonesia has partnered with 34 countries in conducting interfaith dialogues. This has become one of Indonesia’s key soft power diplomatic assets,” Mr. Adib stated.   

The 5th dialogue featured participants from various backgrounds, including government officials, interfaith leaders, academics, youth, and women. The event concluded with a Joint Statement on interfaith dialogue and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) and the University of Belgrade.   

UIII Rector, Prof. Jamhari Ma’ruf, highlighted the pivotal role of academic collaboration in fostering intercultural understanding. “This dialogue provided UIII with a platform to advance research and education on religious moderation and tolerance,” Prof. Jamhari said.   

Diplomacy for Global Peace  

Mr. Adib noted that the dialogue included discussions on key topics such as “Religious Tolerance in Public Speech” and “The Importance of Churches and Religious Communities in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.” Participants also visited historical sites, including the Church of Saint Sava and the Museum of Yugoslavia, enriching their intercultural perspectives.   

“This dialogue goes beyond discussions—it aims to produce concrete actions, such as sharing best practices in religious moderation and fostering harmony through inclusive policies,” Mr. Adib added.    

Long-Term Cooperation  

The 5th Interfaith Dialogue reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to promoting peace through Islam as a blessing for all (rahmatan lil alamin). Alongside Prof. Jamhari, the Indonesian delegation included prominent figures such as Prof. Masnun Thahir (Rector of UIN Mataram), Dr. Olivia Cherly Wuwung (Rector of IAKN Manado), Dr. Edi Ramawijaya Putra (Rector of STABN Sriwijaya), and Prof. Gede Suwindia (Rector of STAHN Mpu Kuturan).   

Full support was also provided by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by Siti Nugraha Mauludiah, Director-General of Information and Public Diplomacy, and Mochammad Chandra Wijaya Yudha, Indonesia’s Ambassador to Serbia.  

This interfaith dialogue reflects Indonesia’s dedication to spreading the message of peace and promoting religious moderation globally. The event also marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Serbia, fostering deeper ties for future collaboration.

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