UNU Jogja Delegation Discusses Inclusive Interfaith Dialogue at the 3rd Dialogue Cities Conference in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Indonesia’s delegation from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), Dr. Wiwin Siti Aminah Rohmawati, participated as both a delegate and facilitator at the Dialogue Cities Southeast Asia 3rd Conference, held from October 26–28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Organized by KAICIID (King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue) in collaboration with ACCIN (Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs), the conference brought together 65 experts from various cities across Southeast Asia, including Bangkok, Davao, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Yogyakarta. Participants discussed a range of issues, including interfaith and intercultural dialogue, women's leadership, community resilience, and climate action.

On the first day, the conference was officially opened by ACCIN CEO and National Harmony Council member Ir. Hj. Mohd Jamaludin Shamsudin. The event also featured former Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Dato’ Seri Dr. Maimunah Mohd Sharif (TBC), as a keynote speaker on “Dialogue for Resilient and Inclusive Cities,” and Vice Chancellor of Universiti Antarabangsa MAIWP (UIM), Prof. Dr. Mohd Afandi Salleh, who delivered a keynote address on “Reimagining Social Cohesion in a Changing World.”

On the second day, Dr. Wiwin facilitated a dialogue session entitled “Dialogue for Climate Action: Local Communities, Policies and Practices.” On the third day, she and Father Martinus Joko Lelono of Sanata Dharma University shared UNU Jogja's experiences in promoting peace through interfaith dialogue integrated with Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) approaches.

In addition, six artworks from the 2R: Ruang Riung program were exhibited throughout the conference. The exhibition showcased the beauty of social harmony as well as the tragic consequences of its absence. 2R: Ruang Riung was initiated by three KAICIID Fellows: Ayu Kartika Dewi, Wiwin Rohmawati, and the late AA Ari Ayu Widhyasari. The exhibition was previously held in 2025 in Yogyakarta, at UNU Jogja and UKDW, and in Jakarta, at Pura Adhitya Jaya. It featured hundreds of curated artworks and attracted more than 2,000 visitors.

According to Dr. Wiwin, interfaith dialogue is often understood as a platform for learning about and respecting differences in religious beliefs. However, efforts to build peace must address broader issues, including inequality and barriers to participation experienced by certain groups.

“Peace cannot be built solely through tolerance among religious communities. It must also address gender inequality, the barriers faced by persons with disabilities, and the experiences of groups that have yet to enjoy equal opportunities for participation,” she said.

She cited the example of female students with disabilities who face different challenges in accessing campus facilities and participating in dialogue activities. This situation demonstrates that inclusive dialogue spaces must take into account the diverse needs and experiences of different groups in society.

Through the GEDSI approach, interfaith dialogue goes beyond encouraging mutual respect. It also serves as a means of identifying and reducing barriers that prevent certain groups from enjoying equal opportunities.

“Therefore, justice and peace must be built through the involvement of diverse groups, including women and persons with disabilities,” she added.

Forest Fires in Indonesia Highlighted at the Conference

In addition to inclusivity and equality in peacebuilding, the conference also highlighted environmental challenges requiring collective attention from Southeast Asian countries. One of the key issues raised was forest fires in Indonesia and their impact across the region.

According to Tempo.co, in his opening remarks at the event,  Puan Nurul Izzah binti Anwar, host of the Dialogue Cities Southeast Asia 3rd Conference, Executive Chairperson of SULUH Centre, and a Malaysian political figure, drew attention to forest fires in Indonesia. She emphasized that all sectors of society, including religious leaders, must maintain their independence in speaking out against the harmful impacts of forest fires in Indonesia.

“Religious leaders have a moral responsibility to mobilize their communities to protect the Earth from destruction,” she said.

Furthermore, Nurul Izzah explained that the Dialogue Cities Southeast Asia 3rd Conference aims to provide a platform for interfaith and intercultural dialogue across Southeast Asia, while also showcasing various dialogue initiatives developed in participating countries.

Efforts to strengthen networks and ensure the continuity of dialogue will continue through subsequent conferences. The Dialogue Cities Southeast Asia 4th Conference is scheduled to take place in Singapore in 2028, followed by the fifth conference in Yogyakarta in 2030. These plans offer opportunities to strengthen dialogue and cross-border collaboration, including the involvement of Indonesian universities in promoting inclusive peace. []

Reporter: Latifah