Unesa.ac.id. SURABAYA—A team of Surabaya State University (UNESA) academics presented a scientific article with the title “Higher Education Role and Strategy to Foster Interreligious Studies Among University Students” at the Hatyai Songkhla International Conference, Thailand on October 19 2024. p>
The seminar was held in collaboration with Rajamanggala University of Technology Krungthep, Thailand and Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University Malang, Indonesia. The team that took part in the forum were Enny Susiyawati, Fida Rachmadiarti, Muji Sri Prastiwi, Anik Sulistyawati, and Sukarmin.
The international conference which took place in Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand carried the theme "Interreligious Dialogue for Reconciliation and Resilience: Southeast Asia Focus.”
The event was attended by academics, researchers and practitioners from Thailand, Indonesia, Slovenia and India, to discuss the role of interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and social resilience amidst diversity.
In their presentation, the UNESA team presented the results of research related to higher education strategies in fostering interfaith understanding among students. Several main points were conveyed.
first, the integration of interfaith studies in the curriculum - the role of campuses in designing courses and academic programs that teach the values of tolerance.
Second, the importance of extracurricular activities based on inclusivity – providing space for students from different religious backgrounds to interact and collaborate.
Third, collaboration with religious communities – strengthening relationships between universities and religious institutions to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and diversity.
p>Fourth, challenges and solutions in dealing with religious polarization among students–identify obstacles and how to overcome them to build a harmonious campus environment.
“Through higher education, we can produce a young generation who not only have academic insight, but also have a deep understanding of the importance of harmony and mutual respect between religions," said Enny Susiyawati.
This presentation received appreciation from the conference participants because of its relevance to the context of Southeast Asia, which is known to have a society with high religious and cultural diversity.
The UNESA team hopes that the results of this research can be implemented by universities in various countries to create a society that is more inclusive and resilient to social challenges.
Participation in this conference also strengthens UNESA's commitment to promoting education based on the values of inclusivity and peace as well as supporting UNESA's academic reputation at the international level. International.[*]
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Author and photo: UNESA Delegation to Hatyai Songkhla International Conference 2024.
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