Jakarta to Vienna: UIN Jakarta Leads the Global Voice of Islamic Universities in International Interfaith Dialogue
VIENNA, UIN Online News - The Rector of UIN Jakarta, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, is representing Indonesia at a high-level interfaith summit in Vienna, held from April 27–30, 2026. The forum brings together prominent religious leaders, esteemed academics, and global policymakers to discuss strategies for fostering social harmony within increasingly diverse societies.
Prof. Asep’s invitation to this elite gathering is a recognition of UIN Jakarta’s burgeoning international reputation. The university has firmly established itself on the global academic map, currently ranked as a top-tier institution by the QS World University Rankings (WUR) in the category of Theology, Divinity, and Religious Studies. This global standing positions UIN Jakarta not only as a national leader but as a world-class authority in navigating the intersection of faith, modern science, and social policy.
The summit is part of an ongoing collaborative initiative led by the Center for Religious Harmony (PKUB) under Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. Officially hosted by Mayor Elke Kahr, the event underscores the vital role of cross-sector collaboration in maintaining social cohesion across multicultural landscapes.
Integrating Faith and Science
During the forum, Prof. Asep shared the successful "Religious Moderation" framework pioneered by UIN Jakarta. This approach focuses on integrating Islamic scholarship with modern sciences, creating a foundation for an inclusive, rational, and contextual religious outlook.
“Strengthening religious moderation must go beyond mere theory; it must be embedded within an educational system that bridges faith-based values with modern scientific knowledge,” he remarked.
Global Synergy for Social Harmony
Delegates from Austria and other participating nations highlighted that interfaith and intercultural dialogues are essential tools for modern Europe. They noted that the primary challenge facing many European societies today is fostering mutual respect and understanding amidst a complex tapestry of religious and cultural identities.
The forum concluded that the synergy between civil society, the state, and higher education institutions is the "triple threat" needed to tackle complex global dynamics. This collaboration is seen as the key to creating lasting social tolerance and harmony.
Expanding Academic Networks
Beyond the strategic discussions, the summit laid the groundwork for enhanced international academic cooperation. UIN Jakarta and its global partners committed to several key initiatives, including:
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Joint Research Projects: Collaborative studies on social harmony and religious studies.
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Global Conferences: Hosting platforms for intellectual exchange.
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Exchange Programs: Facilitating mobility for both faculty and students to broaden global academic perspectives.
By showcasing a successful synthesis of theological depth and modern academic rigor, UIN Jakarta has effectively become a leading voice representing Islamic universities on the world stage. This participation sends a powerful message to the international community: that Islamic academic institutions are at the forefront of solving the complex social and humanitarian challenges of the 21st century.
(Zaenal M./Arifin Ilham)