Hartford International University for Religion and Peace Signs MOU with UIII for Future Academic Partnership
February 20, 2025Contributor: Dadi Darmadi
Depok, 20 February 2025 - In a significant step towards fostering international academic collaboration, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU) and the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) will officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this week. This partnership is expected to strengthen interreligious dialogue, research, and academic exchange between the two institutions, marking another important milestone in expanding academic cooperation.
Academic Collaboration
The signing ceremony, to be held at UIII in Depok, will be attended by key figures from both universities, including Dr. Saiful Umam, Director of Research and International Collaborations at UIII; Dr. Faried Saenong, Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs and Director of the International Center for Global Studies, Faculty of Islamic Studies at UIII; and Prof. Jamhari, Rector of UIII.
“HIU, formerly known as Hartford Seminary, was among the first institutions visited by UIII delegates, led by the late Prof. Bahtiar Effendy in 2018, underscoring the long-standing academic ties between the two institutions,” said Prof. Jamhari.
Representing Hartford International University will be Prof. Joel N. Lohr, President of HIU; Dr. David D. Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations; Dr. Karla F. Grafton, Director of the HIU Library; as well as accompanying staff members.
HIU’s Connection with the Indonesian Academic Community
According to Dr. Saiful Umam, HIU is not new to the Indonesian academic community. “Many scholars affiliated with HIU have made significant contributions that are of great interest to Indonesian scholars and beyond,” he said.
Notable figures include Timur Yuskaev, Associate Professor of Contemporary Islam and Editor of The Muslim World Journal; the late Mahmoud Ayoub, a faculty associate of Shi’ite Islam and Christian-Muslim relations and co-director at the Duncan Black MacDonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at Georgetown University; and Alwi Shihab, a scholar specializing in Christian-Muslim interactions who previously served as the Indonesian President's special envoy to the Middle East and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Additionally, HIU alumnus and peace advocate Pdt. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty, from Maluku, is internationally recognized as an interfaith leader working to prevent conflict and promote peace in Indonesia and beyond.
A Vision for Interreligious Dialogue and Global Collaboration
Prof. Joel N. Lohr, an award-winning author, scholar of religion, and transformative leader in higher education, has played a pivotal role in strengthening HIU’s focus on interreligious studies. Under his leadership since 2018, HIU has expanded its academic programs, increased philanthropic contributions, and reinforced its commitment to peace studies.
Since the beginning of his tenure, President Lohr has implemented a strategic plan that has redefined HIU’s institutional focus. His leadership has strengthened the university’s academic centers, including the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, the Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, and the newly established Howard Thurman Center for Justice and Transformational Ministry.
Expanding Opportunities for Research and Academic Exchange
This partnership with UIII signifies an important milestone for both institutions as they continue to foster global academic dialogue, enhance interfaith scholarship, and create impactful educational programs. The MOU will hopefully facilitate joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative events that strengthen the shared mission of academic excellence and interreligious understanding.
- A Shared Mission of UIII and ICRC in Advocating International Humanitarian Law
- Professor Dian Masyita Honored as a Changemaker in Empowering Communities
- Bridging the Archipelago and the Nile
- Upcoming International Conference: Faith, Science, and the Future of Environmental Action
- Renowned Al-Azhar Rector Sheikh Salamah Dawud to Deliver Public Lecture at UIII Campus in Depok
- Info Session on FEB’s Dual Degree Programs Through LPDP Scholarships
- UIII Land Clearance Marks a Milestone Toward a World-Class Islamic University
- American Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid Visits UIII, Encourages Stronger Ummah to Support Muslim Minorities
- Gate Design Competition of UIII Campus: Call for Innovative Architects
- Ministry of Religious Affairs Welcomes Prof. Dr. Suyitno as Director General of Islamic Education