June 4, 2025
Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Ridwan
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) has officially joined the Indonesian Collaborative Research Program (RKI 2025), a multi- and inter-disciplinary initiative involving 24 state universities with legal entity status (PTN-BH), aiming to foster impactful collaborative research addressing critical challenges facing societies.
In its inaugural contribution to the RKI program, UIII partnered with Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) and the State University of Malang (UM), to explore the theme “Reconstructing Knowledge of Radicalism and Intolerance through a Socio-Religious Approach in Higher Education.”
As part of its field work, UIII embarked on a visit to the Faculty of Social Science Education at UPI, Bandung, on May 27. Leading the visit was Dr. Ridwan of Faculty of Social Sciences (FOSS), accompanied by three master’s students—Wildan Rofii, Muhammad Aqshadigrama and Muhammed Kawsara Muhammad. The team sought to examine how UPI has implemented a campus-based model to counter radical and intolerant ideologies, providing valuable insights for comparative research.
Building on the insights, UIII followed up with a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on May 28, engaging a diverse group of participants from the three involving universities. The discussion brought together students, faculty members, and researchers to openly address the prevalence of radicalism and intolerance in higher education environments. Through this forum, participants critically reflected on current challenges and collaboratively explored actionable strategies to foster a more inclusive and tolerant campus culture.
The session opened with a series of scholarly presentations offering institutional and empirical perspectives on the topic. The contributors included Prof. Elly Malihah (UPI), Prof. Ahmad Muwin Nasih (UM), Prof. Siti Nurba’yati (UPI), Dr. Akhmad Muqoffi Abdullah (UIII), and Moh. Zazuli Abidin Eko Putro, S.E.I. (Politeknik Negeri Jakarta).
Moderated by the UIII research team, the FGD invited insightful dialogue among faculty, staff, and students. The participants shared personal experiences and reflections on religious radicalism and intolerance in campus life. The discussions uncovered key challenges and mutual prospects for reimagining educational spaces that foster diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.
With its international standards and diverse student community, UIII is well placed to bring a global perspective to the issues of religious tolerance. Its focus on religious moderation and multicultural learning allows UIII to play a role both locally and globally. Through programs like RKI, which encourage interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research, UIII aims to improve academic quality and contribute practical solutions for a more inclusive and peaceful society.
Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia
