Indonesian Scholars Explore Interfaith Dialogue and Global Education at HIU

Three visiting scholars from Indonesia recently concluded a residency at HIU, where they engaged in independent research, academic consultation, and professional exchange focused on methodological landscapes in English Language Teaching (ELT) research. The visit, part of Indonesia's 2026 Visiting Professor Program organized by the Directorate of Islamic Higher Education, aimed to strengthen international academic collaboration and advance the global competitiveness of Indonesian Islamic higher education institutions (Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Islam/PTKI).

Dr. Made Saihu of Universitas PTIQ Jakarta delivered a presentation titled "Developing Academic Partnership Between Indonesian Islamic Higher Education and Hartford International University in Strengthening Interreligious Education and Multiculturalism." His work centered on building sustainable institutional partnerships between Indonesian Islamic universities and HIU, with a focus on interreligious education and multicultural understanding. Dr. Saihu also shared his expertise on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), presenting "COIL: Lessons Learned from Indonesia," which highlighted how virtual exchange programs can expand access to international education for students who cannot participate in traditional study abroad. "I personally hope that I can have COIL class collaboration between my university and HIU," he said.

Dr. Dion Efrijum Ginanto, Director of the International Office and Assistant Professor at UIN Sulthan Thaha Saifuddin Jambi, shared the same enthusiasm for virtual collaboration as Dr. Made. Reflecting on his time at HIU, he noted that the experience reinforced "the importance of creating educational environments where dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding are considered essential elements of learning." He expressed particular appreciation for HIU's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue across differences, describing the faculty, staff, and students as "open to engaging with diverse perspectives in ways that are thoughtful, respectful, and constructive."

Dr. Sukirman, Associate Professor and Chair of the Master's Program in English Language Teaching at UIN Alauddin Makassar, presented "Bridging Interfaith Dialogue into English Language Teaching." His presentation explored how language education can transcend linguistic competence to foster empathy, intercultural understanding, and peacebuilding. "Language education can do more than teach students how to communicate in English; it can also create opportunities for people to understand different religious traditions, challenge stereotypes, and develop mutual respect," Dr. Sukirman explained. He noted that his conversations at HIU encouraged him to think more deeply about integrating peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue into English language curricula.

The scholars participated in seminars, met with HIU faculty, utilized library resources, and engaged with students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Their visit evidences the growing partnership between Indonesian Islamic higher education and international institutions dedicated to interreligious understanding and global citizenship.