Jakarta (Kemenag) — In a powerful demonstration of regional solidarity, scholars, faith leaders, and civil society actors from across Southeast Asia gathered at the Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) for the International Conference on Interreligious Dialogue in Southeast Asian Region: Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities, commemorating 10 years of the KAICIID International Fellows Programme, Thuesday (17/6/2025).
The conference brought together over 25 prominent speakers and moderators, including Dr. Adib Abdushomad (Indonesia), Alissa Wahid (Indonesia), and Alwani Ghazali (Malaysia), to reflect on the evolving landscape of interfaith dialogue in the region.
Dr. Adib Abdushomad, Head of the Centre for Religious Harmony (PKUB), Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, emphasized the importance of sustained government commitment in fostering peace. “Indonesia’s model of religious harmony is grounded in mutual respect and institutional support. We need to move from symbolic gestures to concrete interfaith collaborations that shape policy and strengthen grassroots resilience.”
Alissa Wahid, national coordinator of Jaringan Gusdurian, highlighted the transformative role of youth and civil society. “The next generation must inherit not only our values but also our responsibility to protect pluralism. Dialogue should not be a privilege but a daily practice, embedded in education, media, and public life.”
From across the Strait of Malacca, Alwani Ghazali, a Malaysian religious leader and scholar, shared Malaysia’s strides in promoting social cohesion. “Despite our diversity, the Southeast Asian region shares common spiritual values. Regional cooperation—through platforms like KAICIID—allows us to learn from each other’s challenges and innovations.”
