Celebrating Peace Initiatives, UNU Jogja and Indika Foundation Host International “2R: Ruang Riung” Exhibition and Forum

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), through Center for Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Faculty of Education, in collaboration with Indika Foundation and with the support of the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), is hosting “2R: Ruang Riung”, an international forum that showcases and celebrates peace initiatives, particularly those led by women.

The event takes place at the UNU Jogja campus from October 5–13, 2025, featuring an art exhibition, international seminars, talk shows, workshops, and site visit. The forum gathers speakers and participants from academia, religious leaders, and interfaith activists from Indonesia and abroad.

According to Wiwin Rohmawati, Director of the Center for GEDSI) UNU Jogja, the initiative aligns with the university’s vision to contribute to peace and inclusivity while opening opportunities for collaborative research, academic exchanges, and community engagement.

“Through creative art, interactive dialogue, and community involvement, this forum highlights the crucial role of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and social cohesion,” she said.

She explained that the initiative seeks to spotlight global peacebuilding efforts, particularly in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Indonesia and Thailand. The forum also addresses common regional challenges, including religious intolerance, gender gaps in peacebuilding, and the underrepresentation of minority voices.

“To broaden perspectives from other countries, this forum will invite peace leaders from interfaith networks across Southeast Asia to share their valuable insights on building peace and social cohesion,” Wiwin added.

As a future-oriented university, UNU Jogja has consistently prioritized inclusivity and peace. “We have built intercity dialogue networks through our involvement with KAICIID, which promotes interfaith and intercultural dialogue globally,” she said. 

Representatives from KAICIID—a global institution dedicated to peace issues—will also join the forum’s opening session and discussions alongside other international speakers.

To further strengthen interfaith and intercultural initiatives, the forum will highlight the leadership of Thai Buddhist women. This will be presented in the opening international seminar on Monday (October 6, 2025), titled “When Faiths Meet: Muslim–Buddhist Stories from Indonesia & Thailand.” The second session, “Voices of Peace: Stories of Collaboration from Southeast Asia,” will explore best practices of interfaith collaboration across the region.

Ayu Kartika Dewi, Advisor of Indika Foundation and Fellow KAICIID, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in peacebuilding. “We believe peace must be built collectively, involving women, youth, and interfaith communities. 2R: Ruang Riung serves as a platform to showcase grassroots peace initiatives while promoting strategic collaboration in education and youth empowerment,” she explained.

Dean of the Faculty of Education, Mustaghfiroh Rahayu, stated that as a university born from the Nahdlatul Ulama tradition, our mission is rooted in rahmatan lil ‘alamin — mercy for all creation.

"Education, research, and community service at UNU Jogja are guided by the principles of pluralism, tolerance, and peace. It is therefore especially significant for us to serve as the home of this forum, which brings together youth, religious leaders, academics, civil society, and friends from across Southeast Asia," she said.

The university has long placed strong emphasis on the issues of inclusivity and peace. Upholding the principle of “no one left behind” in providing access to education for all, UNU Jogja has also ensured that its campus facilities are disability-friendly. Beyond that, the university actively participates in various national and international programs addressing both inclusivity and peace.

On disability inclusion, UNU Jogja has been involved in promoting broader access for persons with disabilities in policies and practices, including collaboration with the University of the West England (UWE), United Kingdom, and the National Commission on Disability (KND). The university also offers scholarships to students with disabilities and provides academic support assistants to help them engage fully in campus life.

In advancing global peace, UNU Jogja scholars have shared their insights at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) held in Singapore on June 24–26, 2025. Alongside hundreds of interfaith leaders, peace activists, and academics from 50 countries, they discussed efforts to build a peaceful and inclusive global community.

Opened on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the 2R: Ruang Riung Exhibition runs from October 5 to 13. The series of events at UNU Jogja’s campus also includes an international seminar on October 6, an art workshop on October 8, and a talk show on October 11. In addition to being hosted by UNU Jogja, 2R: Ruang Riung is organized with the support of the Peradah Research and Study Institute (LKPP), Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW), and Srikandi Lintas Iman (SRILI).

Following its debut at UNU Jogja’s campus in Dowangan, Gamping, Sleman, Yogyakarta, the 2R: Ruang Riung Exhibition is also scheduled to be held at UKDW Yogyakarta from October 19–24 and at Pura Aditya Jaya, Jakarta, on November 1. [Arif]