Yogyakarta, 18 April 2026 – UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta co-hosted an international education forum in collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Education and Higher Education through an Interfaith Dialogue and Capacity Building Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The event was held at the Saifuddin Zuhri (PAU) Building and brought together representatives from Palestine, Indonesia, and Australia.

The forum aimed to strengthen international cooperation in education reform, with a particular focus on curriculum development, teacher capacity building, and the creation of inclusive and sustainable education systems. This trilateral dialogue was organized in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and relevant education stakeholders. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing global education through collaboration and mutual learning.

In his remarks, the Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, highlighted the important role of Islamic higher education institutions in promoting diversity and social harmony in Indonesia. He noted that UIN Sunan Kalijaga, as one of the oldest State Islamic universities, has long been part of Indonesia’s journey in building a plural and inclusive society. He explained that since independence, Indonesia has faced ongoing discussions about national identity, which have been unified through the values of Pancasila, particularly the principle of belief in one God. According to him, education plays a key role in shaping individuals who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible and committed to interfaith harmony.

Prof. Noorhaidi further emphasized that these values are reflected in the university’s academic environment. UIN Sunan Kalijaga welcomes students from diverse religious backgrounds, employs lecturers from different belief systems, and promotes interdisciplinary studies that go beyond religious education to include science and technology. “Our goal is to develop graduates who are not only intellectually strong but also socially aware and committed to tolerance,” he stated. “We also open opportunities for international students, including those from Palestine, to study and collaborate with us in building a more peaceful future.”

The importance of dialogue and harmony was also emphasized by Prof. Machasin, Chairman of the Interfaith Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Yogyakarta. He stated that dialogue plays a crucial role in maintaining social stability in a plural society. “Harmony does not mean the absence of conflict, but rather the ability to resolve differences through dialogue and mutual understanding,” he explained. He added that FKUB actively facilitates interaction among religious leaders and communities, while also involving young people in interfaith discussions to prevent potential conflicts and strengthen social cohesion.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmad Bahiej, Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Yogyakarta, highlighted the region’s long history as a center of Islamic education and intellectual development. He noted that Yogyakarta is home to leading universities, hundreds of madrasas, and approximately 400 Islamic boarding schools, making it one of Indonesia’s key educational hubs. “We provide opportunities for Palestinian students to continue their studies in Yogyakarta, both in madrasas and higher education institutions,” he said.

From the Palestinian side, Ahmed Khateeb, Director General of Humanities and Social Studies, expressed his appreciation for the support provided by Indonesia and Australia in advancing education reform initiatives. He explained that Palestine is currently reviewing its national curriculum to align with UNESCO standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education. According to him, international collaboration plays a vital role in strengthening institutional capacity and improving education quality. “Our focus includes deep learning, value-based education, inclusive systems, teacher development, and education in emergency situations,” he stated.

Khateeb also emphasized the importance of ensuring that reform programs are adapted to local contexts. He suggested developing clear frameworks, including shared terminology, participatory approaches, and community involvement to ensure effective implementation. In addition, he highlighted the need for open-access digital resources to support educational independence and avoid over-reliance on specific technologies. He also encouraged the integration of best practices from both Indonesia and Australia into the reform process.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion session, where participants actively exchanged ideas and perspectives. Through initiatives such as this, UIN Sunan Kalijaga continues to strengthen its role in international academic collaboration and educational diplomacy. The forum also reaffirmed the importance of integrating education, social inclusion, and interfaith dialogue in building a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable global society.