Indonesia-Australia Deepen Education and Religious Moderation Partnership

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Australia are strengthening cooperation in higher education and religious moderation, a partnership expected to expand academic opportunities for Indonesian students while reinforcing dialogue, tolerance, and long-term people-to-people ties between the neighboring countries.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite at Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

"We are exploring cooperation with several universities in Australia. Hopefully, starting next year, the collaboration can be realized," Minister Nasaruddin said on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Also attending the meeting were Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) President Shady Alsuleiman and Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Rod Brazier.

Minister Nasaruddin underscored Indonesia’s growing role in advancing religious moderation globally, noting that many countries have invited Indonesia to share its experience in fostering a peaceful and balanced understanding of Islam rooted in core values.

“We have developed a moderate Islamic perspective. Many nations invite us to share this experience because we offer a unique methodology--explaining Islam in a modern context without abandoning its fundamental principles,” said the minister, who also serves as Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque.

He added that Indonesia has established partnerships with governments and international institutions across the United States, Europe, and Scandinavia to promote religious moderation. The United Nations has also entrusted him with leading the International Grand Imam Association.

One of Indonesia's upcoming initiatives is the International Grand Imam Association Conference, scheduled for next month.

The forum will bring together prominent Islamic scholars from around the world to strengthen global cooperation in preventing radicalism through education, dialogue, and Indonesia's moderation methodology.

"One of the main objectives of the conference is to build global cooperation in preventing the spread of radicalism through academic approaches, dialogue, and the methodology we have developed in Indonesia," he added.

Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite said strengthening cooperation in education and religious moderation is essential to deepening bilateral partnerships.

He noted that around 25,000 Indonesian students are currently studying in Australia, making them an important bridge between the two countries.

"At present, around 25,000 Indonesian students are studying in Australia, where they also practice their faith as part of our community. They are an important part of the people-to-people relationship between our two countries," Thistlethwaite said.

He also emphasized the significant contribution of Australia's Muslim community in promoting mutual respect and diversity, adding that Australia is committed to strengthening engagement with Indonesia through cooperation with religious leaders.

Thistlethwaite described ANIC President Shady Alsuleiman as one of Australia's most respected Muslim leaders and praised his role in fostering understanding and friendship.

"You have extended the hand of friendship to Australia. We accept it with great respect and look forward to continuing our cooperation in the future," he concluded. ***