International Academics and UNHCR Join UIN Jakarta to Improve Refugee Law Pedagogy
Diorama Room, UIN Online News — The Center for Research and Publication (Puslitpen) of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, in collaboration with the Indonesian Refugee Studies Association (IRSA), hosted a "Workshop on Teaching International Refugee Law in Indonesia" on 17–19 November 2025.
The program brought together leading national and international experts on refugee law to strengthen university-level curricula, innovative pedagogy, interactive teaching strategies, and curriculum development. It aims to promote the education of international refugee law across Indonesian higher education institutions.
The three-day event featured distinguished speakers including Prof. Antje Missbach from Bielefeld University (Germany); Prof. Arie Afriansyah, Chair of the Indonesian Association of International Law Lecturers; Prof. Susan Kneebone and Dr. Nikolas Feith Tan from the University of Melbourne (Australia); Dr. Anthea Vogl and Dr. Sara Dehm from the University of Technology Sydney; Francis Teoh from UNHCR Indonesia; and Prof. Heru Susetyo, Professor of Law and Social Welfare at the University of Indonesia.
Prof. Heru Susetyo expressed his strong support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of joint curriculum development for courses on international refugee law where international relations are increasingly relevant for developing countries like Indonesia. He also expressed his appreciation to UIN Jakarta for hosting and facilitating the program, noting both the national and international participation, including online attendees.
“I truly appreciate UIN Jakarta, through its Center for Research and Publication and in partnership with IRSA, for initiating this well-organized workshop. I hope the discussions held at UIN Jakarta’s Auditorium will lead to concrete outcomes. My gratitude goes to UIN for the excellent facilities and warm welcome to participants from across Indonesia, as well as those joining from abroad,” he remarked.
Prof. Heru further conveyed his hopes that the workshop would generate meaningful contributions for the academic community, practitioners, and the country, particularly for refugees residing in Indonesia.
“May these three days bring meaningful benefits and blessings to academics, practitioners, and especially to Indonesia. Most importantly, may it help refugees who have arrived in the country gain clarity regarding their status through our collective efforts,” he concluded.
(Nosa Idea L./Zaenal M./Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham)