President of the Republic of Indonesia, General TNI (HOR) (Purn.) Prabowo Subianto, through the Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. K.H. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., delivered a message at the opening of the International Conference on Humanitarian Islam at Universitas Indonesia (UI) regarding Indonesia’s commitment to supporting world peace. Prabowo emphasized that “Humanitarian Islam” as Indonesia’s cultural heritage is able to become the main pillar to achieve the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, namely making Indonesia a developed country that is active in global peace. Indonesia is expected to lead in dialogue and cooperation between nations for a harmonious and just world.
The event was attended by a number of high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, First Lieutenant Inf. (Purn.) H. Sugiono, Minister of Social Affairs, Drs. K.H. Saifullah Yusuf, and Minister of Migrant Worker Protection, H. Abdul Kadir Karding, S.PI, M.Si. In addition, world figures, academics, and clerics from various countries were also present, including Professor Robert W. Hefner from Boston University, USA, and Professor Greg Barton from Deakin University, Australia. This conference was organized by the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) together with UI and the Center for Shared Civilizational Values (CSCV) in Jakarta on November 5–6 2024.
The General Chairperson of PBNU, K.H. Yahya Cholil Staquf, explained that the conference aims to promote a moderate, inclusive, and humanitarian-based face of Islam, which can guarantee world welfare and peace. The idea of *Islamic Humanitarianism* refers to the teachings of Ahlusunnah wal Jamaah an-Nahdliyah about tawasuth (middle-middle), tasamuh (tolerance), tawazun (balanced), and i’tidal (fair), which are solutions to global crises such as conflict, injustice, and the threat of war. This conference emphasized that *Islamic Humanitarianism* must be implemented in real steps and involve the right instruments to create a peaceful and inclusive society.
UI Rector, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D, stated that world harmony can be created through an intercultural approach that upholds openness, mutual respect, and critical awareness. In this spirit, UI takes on the role of an inclusive university that encourages interfaith and intercultural dialogue, in line with the Dharma of Higher Education to advance broader humanity. This conference is expected to produce scientific works and strategic recommendations in strengthening the mission of *Islamic Humanitarianism*, which is beneficial for the international community.
Prof. Ari also emphasized that UI is committed to supporting the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 by building a young generation that understands the importance of humanism and peace. As an academic center, UI facilitates space for diverse perspectives and encourages the campus community to become agents of change that prioritize peace and compassion, placing Islam not as a threat, but as a global solution.
As an inclusive and tolerant university, UI accommodates diverse perspectives and beliefs within its community, creating space for interfaith and intercultural dialogue. UI also plays an active role in implementing the values of humanism and peace, in line with the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 which prioritizes Islamic Humanitarianism as the foundation of global harmony and progress.
