Prof. Jamhari, Rector of UIII: “We are thrilled to host AICIS+ 2025”

Organized by the Directorate of Islamic Higher Education (Diktis) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, AICIS 2025 will focus on three key themes: world peace, environmental sustainability, and religious diplomacy. These themes align with the Istiqlal Declaration, a landmark agreement signed in September 2024 by Pope Francis and Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar, who also serves as the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque. The declaration, which promotes interfaith cooperation and peace, will serve as a guiding framework for the conference.

“The Istiqlal Declaration is a reference point for many stakeholders,” said Dr. Farid Saenong, a special advisor to the Minister of Religious Affairs. “Per the Minister’s directive, it will remain a cornerstone of our agenda.”

The coordination meeting, attended by UIII’s Vice Rector, representatives from the Directorate of Higher Education, and other academic leaders, highlighted the collaborative effort to ensure the conference’s success.

Prof. Sahiron, Director of Islamic Higher Education, emphasized the importance of staying true to the event’s core themes while drawing on lessons from previous conferences. “This grand vision continues to evolve,” he said. “We are committed to making AICIS 2025 a success.”

For UIII, hosting AICIS is both an honor and an opportunity to elevate its global profile. Established in 2016 as Indonesia’s first international Islamic university, UIII aims to foster cutting-edge research and dialogue on Islam. The university’s rector, Jamhari, expressed pride in the selection, noting that it aligns with UIII’s mission to promote Islamic studies on the world stage.

“We are thrilled to host AICIS,” Prof. Jamhari said. “This event will not only enhance UIII’s branding but also showcase our state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped classrooms and seminar spaces designed for global academic gatherings.”

The choice of UIII as the host reflects its growing reputation as a center for Islamic scholarship. With its modern campus in Depok, West Java, and a diverse faculty drawn from across the Muslim world, the university is well-positioned to facilitate discussions on pressing global issues. The 2025 conference is expected to attract scholars, policymakers, and religious leaders from around the world, fostering exchanges on how Islamic thought can address contemporary challenges like climate change and conflict resolution.

The emphasis on religious diplomacy is particularly timely. The Istiqlal Declaration, signed during Pope Francis’s historic visit to Indonesia, has been hailed as a model for interfaith collaboration. By integrating its principles into AICIS, organizers hope to amplify its message of unity and cooperation. “This is a chance to learn from past experiences and build a platform for meaningful dialogue,” Prof. Sahiron said.

Preparations for AICIS 2025 are already underway, with Diktis pledging to strengthen partnerships to ensure a seamless event. The conference will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops, offering participants a chance to engage with cutting-edge research and practical solutions.

For Indonesia, hosting AICIS is more than an academic milestone; it is a testament to the country’s commitment to fostering a moderate, inclusive vision of Islam. As UIII prepares to welcome the global academic community, the event promises to be a defining moment for Islamic studies and interfaith dialogue.

Tags: #UIII #AICIS2025 #IslamicStudies #WorldPeace #ReligiousDiplomacy