RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening its role as a global model of religious harmony by expanding collaboration with Australia on interfaith dialogue and Islamic education.

The partnership is expected to enhance people-to-people ties, promote peaceful coexistence, and encourage greater academic exchanges between the two countries.

Indonesian Deputy Religious Affairs Minister Romo Muhammad Syafii welcomed Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) President Sheikh Shady Al Suleiman in Jakarta, where both sides exchanged best practices in fostering peaceful and harmonious religious communities.

Sheikh Shady praised Indonesia's record of interfaith harmony, describing the country as one of the world's best examples of peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities.

"We also believe that everyone should be able to live together in harmony, with mutual respect and peace. Indonesia is a very good example of this," Sheikh Shady said in a statement on Friday, July 17, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He emphasized that dialogue is the most effective way to overcome hatred toward any religion or community. Sheikh Shady also outlined Australia's efforts to support Muslim communities, including establishing an Islamophobia response body, providing assistance to mosques, and developing an Islamic university to train imams, preachers, and Islamic scholars who understand Australia's multicultural society.

The deputy minister agreed that dialogue remains the most effective approach to strengthening interfaith relations, encouraging all communities to prioritize communication and mutual understanding when addressing differences.

"I reject the idea of fighting Islamophobia. What matters is allowing every individual to practice their faith in a way that ultimately builds harmony amid diversity," he said.

He welcomed stronger cooperation between Indonesia and Australia, saying both countries could exchange valuable experiences in promoting peaceful and inclusive religious life.

"We hope that through meetings like this, we can strengthen our collaboration, deepen relations between our nations, and continue sharing perspectives on the development of Muslim communities, particularly in Australia," he explained.

As part of Indonesia's contribution, Syafii introduced the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) in Depok, which currently hosts students from around 70 countries.

He invited Australian students to study at UIII, saying the campus offers an opportunity to experience Indonesia's model of religious harmony firsthand alongside students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. ***