KBRN, Jakarta: In a significant inter-ministerial meeting, Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Romo Muhammad Syafi’i, welcomed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, (6/05/2025). The discussion centered around strengthening soft diplomacy to position Indonesia as a global destination for interfaith harmony.

“Our goal is to establish Indonesia as the world’s destination for religious harmony,” stated Deputy Minister Syafi’i during the meeting. He emphasized that the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has been actively engaged in promoting religious tolerance on a global scale.

As a concrete step, MoRA has implemented programs such as the Indonesia Interfaith Scholarship, which invites students and religious leaders from friendly nations to witness Indonesia’s vibrant and peaceful religious life firsthand. The initiative allows international participants to experience the coexistence of diverse religious communities across the archipelago.

“One of our key initiatives is showcasing Indonesia’s multiculturalism,” said Syafi’i. “Through interfaith dialogue, we aim to promote religious moderation, especially in response to global issues such as Islamophobia.”

He also highlighted the development of the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) located in Cimanggis, Depok, West Java. This postgraduate institution attracts international students to study both Islamic teachings and Indonesian cultural values, further strengthening Indonesia's image as a hub for moderate and inclusive Islamic education.

Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir described the meeting as part of a broader mandate from President Joko Widodo to enhance cross-ministerial synergy in support of Indonesia’s Vision 2045 — a national goal to become a sovereign, advanced, and sustainable nation by its centennial.

“A powerful way to contribute to this vision is through strengthening soft diplomacy and showcasing Indonesia’s moderate, peaceful, and inclusive interpretation of Islam,” said Nasir. He underlined the importance of sharing positive narratives about Indonesia to the international community.

Nasir praised MoRA’s initiatives, particularly the residency programs that bring foreign students and religious figures to experience Indonesia’s interfaith harmony. “These programs are impressive and have great potential to elevate Indonesia’s international reputation,” he added.

Both deputy ministers agreed that cross-sector collaboration is vital in strengthening Indonesia’s position as a global model of religious moderation, social harmony, and inclusiveness. They pledged to continue building joint strategies to ensure Indonesia’s values resonate across the globe.

The meeting reflects Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to promoting peace through cultural and religious diplomacy, aligning with its broader efforts to foster understanding and tolerance in an increasingly polarized world.