Speakers
Prof. Dr. M. Amin Abdullah
Senior Fellow
Leimena Institute
Amirsyah Tambunan
Secretary General
Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI)
2020-2025
Chris Seiple
Senior Fellow in
Comparative Religion
University of Washington
Samah Norquist
Chief Advisor
International Religious Freedom
Muhammad Suaib Tahir
Senior Advisor
National Counter-Terrorism
Agency (BNPT)
Republic of Indonesia
dr. Ni Made Ayu Masnathasari, S.Ked.
General Practitioner
Klungkung General Hospital
Bali
Prof. Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly, S.H., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Ministry of Law
and Human Rights
Republic of Indonesia
2014 - 2024
Dr. Pagar Butar Butar, S.H., M.Si.
Head of the Regional Office
Ministry of Law and Human
Rights, Banten
Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett
Presiden Lantos Foundation
for Human Rights and Justice
(2008 - Present)
Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, M.A.
Indonesian Ambassador
to Uzbekistan
Pdt. Dr. (HC) Jacky Manuputty
Pastor
Protestant Church of Maluku
(GPM)
Dr. John Azumah
Executive Director
The Sanneh Institute
Prof. Katherine Marshall
Vice President
G20 Interfaith Forum Association
Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, M.A.P.
Coordinating Minister for Human
Development and Cultural Affairs
Republic of Indonesia
2019–2024
Prof. Dr. Ismunandar
Expert Staff for
Inter-Institutional Relations
Ministry of Culture
Republic of Indonesia
Randa Kuziez
Faiths Act Fellow
Malaria Policy Center (2009)
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
Minister of Religious Affairs
Republic of Indonesia
2020–2024
K.H. Muhammad Rifqi Rosyidi, Lc. MA.
Director
Modern Muhammadiyah
Islamic Boarding School, Paciran
Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah
Secretary General
Asian Muslim Action Network
Pdt. Dr. Mery L.Y. Kolimon
Faiths Act Fellow
Malaria Policy Center (2009)
Lufti Rauf
Indonesian Ambassador
to Egypt
Syekh Dr. Amr Al-Wardani
Secretary of the Fatwa Council
Dar Al-Ifta, Egypt
Dr. Tuan Guru Bajang HM Zainul Majdi
Governor
Nusa Tenggara Barat
2008 - 2018
Dr. Alwi Shihab
Senior Fellow
Leimena Institute
Gracia Paramitha, Ph.D.
Lecturer at LSPR
Institute of Communication and
Business, Jakarta
Faisal Ilyas
Senior Manager Programmes
Church and Community
Transformation Department
BRAj. Gayatri Kusumawardhani
Finalist of the Y20 Awards 2022
from Indonesia
Zeenat Rahman
Executive Director
of the Institute of Politics
University of Chicago
Komjen. Pol. Dr. Boy Rafli Amar, M.H.
High-Ranking Officer
Indonesian National Police (2020)
Dr. Samia Huq
Anthropologist & Professor
Economics and Social Sciences
BRAC University
Ambassador Rashad Hussain
United States
Ambassador-at-Large for
International Religious Freedom
Henny Supolo Sitepu
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Cahaya Guru Foundation
2006 – Present
Stephen Heyneman
Doctor in Comparative Education
University of Chicago
Dr. Amra Sabic-El-Rayess
Executive Director
Columbia University
Prof. Dr. Franz Magnis-Suseno, S.J.
Professor Emeritus
Driyarkara School of Philosophy
Jakarta
Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Adlin Sila, M.A., Ph.D.
Ministry of Religious Affairs
Republic of Indonesia
Ambassador Bea ten Tusscher
Ambassador of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands to
Guatemala, Bangladesh, Norway,
Bulgaria (2017–2021)
Achsanul Habib
Deputy Permanent
Representative of the Republic
of Indonesia to the UN, WTO and
Other International
Organizations in Geneva
Dr. Brett G. Scharffs
Director
International Center for Law
and Religion Studies
Brigham Young University
Mien Usihen, S.H., M.H.
Head of the National Law
Development Agency at
the Ministry of Law of
the Republic of Indonesia
Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, B.Sc., M.M.
Director General
Ministry of Communication and
Informatics
Republic of Indonesia
2016 - 2024
Greg Mitchell
Chair, International
Religious Freedom Roundtable
Washington, D.C.
James Chen
Vice President
for Global Operations
Institute for Global Engagement
Iwan Kurniawan, Bc.IP., S.H., M.Si.
Expert Staff for
Bureaucratic Reform
Strengthening
Dr. Maruarar Siahaan
Head Legal and Judicial Studies
Taskforce at Leimena Institute
2013
Prof. Dr. H. Mohammad Mahfud MD, S.H., S.U., M.I.P
Coordinating Minister for
Political, Legal, and
Security Affairs
Republic of Indonesia
2019 - 2024
Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Lubis, M.A.
Chair of the Women,
Youth, and Family Division
Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)
Mujtaba Hamdi
Executive Director
Wahid Foundation
Dr. H. Wawan Djunaedi, M.A.
Head of Resource Bureau
Ministry of Religious Affairs
Republic of Indonesia
Y. Ambeg Paramarta, S.H., M.Si.
Expert Staff for Politics
and Security
Ministry of Law and Human
Rights, Republic of Indonesia
2017
Prof. Dr. Eddy O.S. Hiariej, S.H., M.Hum.
Deputy Minister of Law
Republic of Indonesia
Tina Ramirez
Executive Director
Hardwired
Wade Kusack
Founder & CEO
Love Your Neighbor Community
Dr. Mualimin Abdi, SH, MH.
Director General of
Human Rights
Republic of Indonesia
Dr. Phil Sahiron Syamsudin
Professor
UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta
Daniel Bambang Dwi Byantoro
Archimandrite of Indonesia
Founder of the
Indonesian Orthodox Church
Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi
Member of the UAE
Federal National Council
Emirate of Abu Dhabi
H.E. David Saperstein
Former US Ambassador-at-Large
International Religious Freedom
Johnnie Moore
President, The Congress
of Christian Leaders
Pdt. Dr. Henriette T. Lebang
Chairperson of the Advisory
Council, Communion of Churches
in Indonesia (PGI), 2019–2024
Sri Kurniati Handayani Pane, S.H., M.H.
Director
Directorate General of Human
Rights, Republic of Indonesia
2021 – Present
Dr. Do Lan Hien
Former Director and Professor
Institute of Religions and Beliefs
Vietnam
Yuyun Wahyuningrum
Advisor for Human Rights
at ASEAN Parliamentarian
for Human Rights (2014-2019)
Pastor Bob Roberts Jr
Founder of Multi-Faith
Neighbors Network (MFNN)
Imam Mohamed Magid
Executive Imam
All Dulles Area Muslim Society
Center at Sterling, Virginia
Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Thohir, S.Ag., M.Pd.
Dean, Faculty of Education
and Teacher Training
UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya
Nadine Maenza
President, Secretariat
of IRF Washington
Pdt. Dr. Andreas Anangguru Yewangoe
Pastor, Lecturer, and Protestant
Christian Theologian
East Nusa Tenggara
Riandy Prawita
Chairman
Muhammadiyah Students
Association (IPM)
Septiaji Eko Nugroho, S.T., M.Sc.
Chairman
Indonesian Anti-Slander Society
(MAFINDO)
Desca Lidya Natalia
Journalist
National News Agency ANTARA
Prof. Dr. K.H. Oman Fathurahman, M.Hum
Professor of Philology
Faculty of Adab and Humanities
UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta
RD. Agustinus Heri Wibowo, S.S, S.H., M.H.
Secretary for Ecumenical and
Interfaith Affairs
Indonesian Bishops’ Conference
Dr.Harniati, S.H., LLM.
Acting Director General
Human Rights Instruments and
Strengthening
Ministry of Human Rights
Republic of Indonesia
Febby Cipta
Human Rights Ambassador
West Java, 2020
Indah Nuria Savitri
Director of Human Rights and
Humanitarian Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Indonesia
Mercy Chriesty Barends, S.T
Politician and Activist
Member of Parliament
Republic of Indonesia
(2014–present)
Dr. Giovanna R. Czander
Visiting Scholar
Fordham University, New York
Arif Jamali Muis
Special Staff to the Minister of
Primary & Secondary Education
Republic of Indonesia
Fatwa Nur Azizah
Teacher of Qur’an and Hadith
MAN 1 Magetan
Maria Lucia Uribe
Executive Director
Arigatou International, Geneva
Alexander Rieger
Head of Unit, Intercultural and
Interreligious Dialogue
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Austria
Pdt. Ferry Yefta Mamahit, Ph.D.
Lecturer
Southeast Asia Bible Seminary
Dr. Renee Hattar
Coordinator, Middle East
Department at International
Center for Christian Studies
Dr. Partono NyanaSuryanadi Mahathera, M.Pd., M.Pd.B.
Maha Nayaka
Supreme Sangha of Indonesia
Miswanto, S.Ag., M.Pd.H.
Head of Education
Nusantara Hindu Acharya
Association
Xs. Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo
Chairman of Central Board
Council of Spiritual Leaders
(MATAKIN)
Andar Nubowo, Ph.D.,
Executive Director
Maarif Institute
Dr. Ponijan Liaw, M.Pd., CSM
President
The Energetic People
Development Center (EPDC)
Dr. Haskarlianus Pasang
Head, Operations Sustainability
PT. Sinar Mas Agro
Pdt. Darwin Darmawan, M.Th.
General Secretary
Communion of Churches in
Indonesia (PGI)
Salomina Patty, S.PAK, M.Si.
Principal
SMAS Kristen Rehoboth, Ambon
Sarifudin, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.
Teacher
MTsN 6 Kebumen
Tri Windiarto, M.Si.
Associate Expert
Directorate of Social Resilience
Statistics
Statistics Indonesia (BPS)
Odniel Hakim Gultom, S.Pi, M.Si (Teol.)
Teacher
SMAK BPK Penabur Singgasana
Bandung
Listia Suprobo
Education Activist
Association for the Development
of Interreligious Education
Dr. Nita Isaeni, S.IP, M.Pd.
Head of the Working Team
for Elementary School Teachers
Indonesia
Gusti Ayu Putu Suwardani, Bc.IP., S.H., M.Si.
Head
Human Resources Development
Agency for Law
Ministry of Law of
the Republic of Indonesia
Muhammad Hafiz
Associate Founder
FORMASI Disabilitas
Prof. Dr. M. Amin Abdullah
Prof. Dr. M. Amin Abdullah is a Senior Fellow at the Leimena Institute and Professor of Philosophy at the State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Kalijaga in Yogyakarta. As Rector from 2002 to 2010, he led the transformation of the State Islamic Institute (IAIN) Sunan Kalijaga into a full university (UIN). He also serves as Chair of the Cultural Commission at the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI). His writings focus on multidisciplinary approaches to understanding Islam and the Qur’an, advocating openness to diversity and modernity. His books, including Islamic Studies in Higher Education (2006) and Multidisciplinary, Interdisciplinary, and Transdisciplinary: Methods of Religious & Islamic Studies in the Contemporary Era (2020), have been widely praised by intellectuals in Islamic education and thought both within and outside Indonesia. A doctoral graduate of Middle East Technical University (Ankara, Turkey), he also served as Vice Chairman of Muhammadiyah’s Central Leadership (2000–2005) and Chairman of its Council on Islamic Legal Thought and Development (1995–2000).
Amirsyah Tambunan
Amirsyah Tambunan is the Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) for the 2020–2025 term. He previously served as Deputy Chair of the Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Wakaf and Property Council (2015–2020) and as Chairman of Muhammadiyah Youth Central Board (2002–2006). He is the founder of the Peduli Anak Bangsa Foundation and the Association of Islamic Religious Education Lecturers of Indonesia. He completed his undergraduate to doctoral studies at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta.
Chris Seiple
Dr. Chris Seiple is a Senior Fellow in Comparative Religion at the Jackson School of International Studies, University of Washington, where he develops and teaches the course Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy. He is a Senior Advisor to the Templeton Religion Trust and President Emeritus of the Institute for Global Engagement. Widely recognized for his decades of expertise in geopolitics, U.S. foreign policy, Asia, human rights, and religion, he is one of the editors of the forthcoming Routledge Handbook of Religious Literacy, Pluralism, and Global Engagement.
Samah Norquist
Samah Norquist was appointed Chief Advisor for the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on advancing international religious freedom. In 2019, she managed the Middle East Bureau’s programs to promote religious freedom and pluralism and combat discrimination, oppression, and persecution of ethnic and religious communities in the region, overseeing a budget of over $50 million. She also served as Senior Advisor for Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication for the Arab and Muslim Worlds at USAID from 2004 to 2006. She holds a B.S. in Political Science from Northeastern University, Boston, and an M.A. in International Relations from the American University in Cairo.
Muhammad Suaib Tahir
Muhammad Suaib Tahir serves as a Senior Advisor on the Task Force for Prevention, Protection, and Deradicalization at the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) of the Republic of Indonesia. He previously served at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Khartoum, Sudan. He is also a postgraduate lecturer at the Institute for the Study of the Qur’an (PTIQ) in Jakarta. He pursued his higher education at Omdurman Islamic University in Sudan, where he earned his Ph.D.
dr. Ni Made Ayu Masnathasari, S.Ked.
Dr. Ni Made Ayu Masnathasari, S.Ked., is a general practitioner at Klungkung Regional General Hospital in Bali. She studied at the Faculty of Medicine at the Indonesian Muslim University. A native of Bali and a Hindu by faith, she has extensive and diverse experience in interfaith engagement.
Prof. Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly, S.H., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Prof. Yasonna Hamonangan Laoly, S.H., M.Sc., Ph.D., born in Sorkam on May 27, 1953, currently serves as the Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. He previously served as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) during the 2004–2009 and 2009–2014 terms. He earned his Bachelor of Law from the Faculty of Law, University of North Sumatra in 1978. He completed his Master of Science degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, in 1986, where he received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. He obtained his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University, USA, in 1994.
Dr. Pagar Butar Butar, S.H., M.Si.
Dr. Pagar Butar Butar, S.H., M.Si., was born in Lubuk Pakam on August 24, 1972. He studied Correctional Science at the Academy of Correctional Science (AKIP), earned his Bachelor of Law from Krisnadwipayana University, Jakarta, then pursued a Master’s in Criminal Psychology at the University of Indonesia, and later earned his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Human Resource Management from the State University of Jakarta. Prior to his current position, he served as Head of the Administration Division at the Ministry’s Regional Office in Papua (2017–2019), then in Yogyakarta (2019–2020), and later as Head of the Bureau of Public Relations, Law, and Cooperation at the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (2020). He now serves as Head of the Regional Office in Banten.
Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett
Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett is President of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, founded in 2008 in honor of her late father, Congressman Tom Lantos. Under her leadership, the Foundation has become a prominent voice for global human rights. She is the former Chair and Vice Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), and she lectures on human rights and U.S. foreign policy at Tufts University. Currently, she serves as Co-Chair of the Board for the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) and the Tom Lantos Institute in Budapest. Dr. Lantos Swett also serves on advisory boards including UN Watch, the Anne Frank Award and Lecture, and the Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership, and Public Policy. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Yale University at age 18, her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and her Ph.D. in History from the University of Southern Denmark.
Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin
Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, M.A., currently serves as the Indonesian Ambassador to Uzbekistan. She previously held roles as Senior Expert Staff at the Executive Office of the President and Special Staff to President Joko Widodo on International Religious Affairs. She served as a member of the Tarjih Council and Development of Thought at Muhammadiyah Central Board (2000–2005) and the Higher Education Council of Muhammadiyah (2010–2015). She was Chair of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) from 2012–2014 and served as a Commissioner until 2018. She is a lecturer at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta, and actively advocates for women’s rights and human rights.
Pdt. Dr. (HC) Jacky Manuputty
Rev. Dr. (HC) Jacky Manuputty is a pastor at the Protestant Church of Maluku (GPM) and serves as Director of its Research and Development Agency. He is currently the Chair of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) for the 2024–2029 period. He is also the founder and director of the Maluku Interfaith Institute (LAIM). He graduated from Jakarta Theological Seminary (1989), earned a degree from Driyarkara School of Philosophy (2003), and obtained a Master’s in Pluralism & Inter-religious Dialogue from Hartford Seminary, USA (2010). Born in Haruku, Central Maluku, in July 1965, he has received several awards, including the Ma’arif Award (2005) and the Tanenbaum Award for Peacemakers in Action (New York, 2012).
Dr. John Azumah
Dr. John Azumah is the Executive Director of The Sanneh Institute. He hails from Northern Ghana and studied at Trinity Theological Seminary and the University of Ghana, Legon. He pursued graduate studies at the University of Birmingham, UK, where he earned a Master’s in Christian-Muslim Relations and a Ph.D. in Islamic history in Africa. Dr. Azumah has worked in the Interfaith Unit of the World Council of Churches and served in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Building Bridges Seminars. He is currently a Visiting Professor at Yale Divinity School and a Presidential Visiting Fellow at Yale University. He has organized, facilitated, and presented at numerous interfaith and academic forums worldwide.
Prof. Katherine Marshall
Prof. Katherine Marshall is the Vice President of the G20 Interfaith Forum Association and a Senior Fellow at the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, where she leads the Center’s work on religion and global development. She is also a Professor of Practice in Development, Conflict, and Religion at the Walsh School of Foreign Service. Prof. Marshall helped found and currently serves as Executive Director of the World Faiths Development Dialogue (WFDD). She worked at the World Bank from 1971 to 2006, gaining nearly five decades of experience in development issues across Africa, Latin America, East Asia, and the Middle East, with a special focus on the world’s poorest countries.
Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, M.A.P.
Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, M.A.P., has served as the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia since October 2019. He previously served as the Minister of Education and Culture (2016–2019). Before his ministerial roles, he was Rector of Muhammadiyah University of Malang for three terms (2000–2016). From 2015 to 2020, he also served as Chair of Muhammadiyah Central Board’s Division on Education and Culture.
Prof. Dr. Ismunandar
Prof. Dr. Ismunandar is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to UNESCO. He became the youngest professor at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) at the age of 38. In 2018, he was appointed as Director General of Higher Education Student Affairs. Prior to this, he served as Education and Culture Attaché at the Indonesian Embassies in Singapore and Washington DC. A recipient of ITB’s Most Outstanding Student award (1992), he completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at ITB and earned his doctorate from the University of Sydney, Australia, in 1998
Randa Kuziez
Randa Kuziez supports the growing Islamic Museum of New York through fundraising and development efforts. Previously, she worked with the Pillars Fund, where she led donor outreach, fundraising strategy, foundation relations, and writing. As a consultant in programming and fundraising, she helped raise over $1 million for social good. She also served as an Associate at Interfaith Youth Core, where she advised on religious diversity and led student trainings across universities. She has led discussions on Muslim philanthropy in the U.S., interfaith cooperation, and youth leadership. She spoke at the inaugural UN World Interfaith Harmony Week in Geneva (2011), was a 2009 Faiths Act Fellow at the Malaria Policy Center, and a 2021 Fellow of the Civic Leadership Academy at the University of Chicago.
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has served as Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs since December 23, 2020. Previously, he was a member of the House of Representatives (2014–2019), Vice Regent of Rembang (2005–2010), and a member of the Regional House of Representatives of Rembang (2004–2005).
K.H. Muhammad Rifqi Rosyidi, Lc. MA.
K.H. Muhammad Rifqi Rosyidi, Lc., M.A., is the Director (Mudir) of the Modern Muhammadiyah Islamic Boarding School in Paciran. He served on the Muhammadiyah East Java Tarjih and Tajdid Council (2000–2015) and is now part of the Muhammadiyah Boarding School Development Institute (2015–2022). He earned his undergraduate degree from the Islamic University of Madinah (KSA) in 1996 and completed his postgraduate studies at Muhammadiyah University of Malang in 2005.
Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah
Dwi Rubiyanti Kholifah is the Secretary General of the Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN) and also serves as AMAN’s Country Representative in Indonesia. She is a women’s rights activist engaged in leadership, peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and collaboration among Muslim communities across Asia. She earned her Master of Arts in Health and Social Science from Mahidol University, Thailand. A recipient of the 2016 N-Peace Award, she actively writes and publishes works, including her most recent book “Panduan Dialog Terstruktur dan Reflektif: Pengembangan Skill Dialog Menerima Perbedaan” (Structured and Reflective Dialogue Guide: Developing Dialogue Skills to Embrace Differences.)
Pdt. Dr. Mery L.Y. Kolimon
Rev. Dr. Mery Kolimon was born in So’E, South Central Timor, East Nusa Tenggara, on June 2, 1972. She grew up in rural Timor, where she completed her primary and secondary education. In 1995, she graduated in Theology from UKAW and was ordained as a pastor in 1997. In 2008, she completed her Ph.D. at the Protestant Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands, with a dissertation titled A Theology of Empowerment: Reflections from A West Timorese Perspective (Berlin: Lit Verlag, 2008). Since then, she has taught at her alma mater, UKAW Kupang, offering courses on Missiology, Contextual Theology, and Theology of Religions. She also served as Director of the Postgraduate Program at UKAW Kupang. In 2009, she and others founded the Eastern Indonesia Women’s Network for Studies on Women, Religion, and Culture (JPIT). Through JPIT, she co-authored books such as Forbidden Memories: Female Survivors of the 1965 Tragedy in East Nusa Tenggara, Women on the Front Lines, and Women, Conflict and Peace. In October 2015, she was elected Chair of the GMIT Synod Assembly for the 2015–2019 term, and again for 2020–2023.
Lufti Rauf
Lutfi Rauf is the Ambassador of Indonesia to Egypt. He served as President Commissioner of PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (Persero) beginning in April 2020. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Hasanuddin University and a Master’s in Political Science from Victoria University of Wellington. His previous roles include Director of Information and Media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2004–2006), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Slovakia (2007–2008), Chief of State Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2008–2012), and Ambassador of Indonesia to Thailand (2012–2016).
Syekh Dr. Amr Al-Wardani
Sheikh Dr. Amr Al-Wardani serves as the Secretary of the Fatwa Council at Dar Al-Ifta, Egypt. He completed his doctoral degree at the Faculty of Dar al-Ulum, Cairo University, in 2013. He has served as a member of the Fatwa Council, Director of Training at Dar Al-Ifta (2004–2021), and contributed to the Economic Division. He has conducted numerous fatwa training sessions both in Egypt and abroad, and continues to contribute as an instructor.
Dr. Tuan Guru Bajang (TGB) HM Zainul Majdi
Dr. Tuan Guru Bajang Muhammad Zainul Majdi, Lc., M.A., is an Indonesian Islamic scholar and politician who served as Governor of West Nusa Tenggara for two terms (2008–2018). In 1992, he studied at the Faculty of Ushuluddin, majoring in Qur’anic Exegesis and Sciences at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, earning his Lc. degree in 1996. He obtained his Master of Arts (M.A.) in 2001 with the distinction Jayyid Jiddan. After 10 years at Al-Azhar, he pursued doctoral studies at the same university and faculty, graduating Summa Cum Laude (Martabah El-Syaraf El Ula Ma’a Haqqutba) in 2011. He currently serves as Chairman of the Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah organization.
Dr. Alwi Shihab
Dr. Alwi Shihab is a Senior Fellow at Institut Leimena. He served as the Presidential Special Envoy of the Republic of Indonesia for the Middle East and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation from 2016–2019, Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare from 2004–2005, and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1999–2001. An expert on interfaith relations, he is a member of the Board of Trustees at Hartford Seminary, Connecticut, United States. Dr. Shihab has also taught and held positions at various educational and research institutions such as Harvard University, Temple University, the Fetzer Institute, the American Academy of Religion, and the University of Indonesia. He has authored many books, including the best-selling Islam Inklusif: Menuju Sikap Terbuka dalam Beragama. With his extensive experience as an executive and advisor in many companies, he was entrusted to serve as Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2009. He holds two Master’s degrees from Al-Azhar University (Egypt) and Temple University (USA), and two Ph.D.s from Ain Shams University (Egypt) and Temple University (USA). He conducted his post-doctoral studies at Harvard University.
Gracia Paramitha, Ph.D.
Gracia Paramitha currently supports Indonesia’s G20 Presidency 2022 through collaboration among engagement groups and other G20 stakeholders. She is also a lecturer at LSPR Institute of Communication and Business, Jakarta and a research consultant at CSIS Indonesia. She earned her Ph.D. in Politics from the University of York, United Kingdom, from 2016–2020. She is interested in researching and discussing the G20, climate governance, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), youth, climate change politics, and environmental policy. In her social and community work, Gracia is Co-Founder of Indonesian Youth Diplomacy (IYD) in 2013, which brought her to London as an Indonesian delegate to the Y8 Summit 2013. As a passionate environmental advocate, she was the Global Youth Advisor for the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)’s TUNZA Programme, representing the Asia Pacific region from 2011–2013. Her motto is “sustainability is integrity.”
Faisal Ilyas
Faisal Ilyas is a finalist of the Y20 Awards 2022. He is a young Catholic man from Pakistan currently working with PAK Mission Society as Senior Manager Programmes in the Church and Community Transformation Department. PAK Mission Society is an organization established in 2004 with a mission to eradicate poverty, promote peace, connect communities to available job opportunities, and develop various capacity-building training programs for communities in Pakistan.
BRAj. Gayatri Kusumawardhani
BRAj. Gayatri Kusumawardhani is a finalist of the Y20 Awards 2022 from Indonesia. She is a high school student at Regina Pacis Senior High School in Surakarta. She currently serves as the Student Council President at Regina Pacis Surakarta, and is the first Muslim to hold that position at the school. On National Library Visit Day 2021, Gayatri initiated the Nawala Project, establishing a reading park for the local community to improve literacy skills. To date, thousands of books have been donated and thousands of people have benefited from the positive impact of the Nawala Project.
Zeenat Rahman
Zeenat Rahman is the Executive Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago. Rahman is also the Director of the Inclusive America Project at the Aspen Institute, a program that promotes religious pluralism by supporting faith and community leaders in that goal. She is also a globally recognized expert on political, social, and economic issues affecting underserved populations worldwide. Rahman previously served in the U.S. Department of State as Special Advisor on Global Youth Issues to Secretaries Hillary Clinton and John Kerry; as Executive Director at the Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives at the U.S. Agency for International Development; and as Director of Policy at Interfaith Youth Core.
Dr. Boy Rafli Amar, M.H.
Commissioner General of Police Dr. Boy Rafli Amar, M.H. (born in Jakarta, March 25, 1965; age 55) is a high-ranking officer of the Indonesian National Police (Polri). On May 1, 2020, he was inaugurated by President Jokowi as the Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), replacing Commissioner General of Police Suhardi Alius.
Samia Huq
Samia Huq is an anthropologist and Professor in the Department of Economics and Social Sciences at BRAC University, Dhaka. She earned her Ph.D. from Brandeis University, USA, studying women’s religious discussion groups in urban Bangladesh. Her current research includes Bengali Muslim cultural activism in East Pakistan, and the effects of secondary secular and madrasa education on gender norms and practices, as part of the Education, Gender, and Growth in Asia Initiative. Dr. Huq also coordinates the BRAC University–Georgetown University Speaker Forum series on faith and development, consisting of public forums and student engagement with local and international scholars and activists on topics relevant to faith and development.
Rashad Hussain
Rashad Hussain is an American attorney, diplomat, and professor who served as the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Hussain served as the chief advisor to the Secretary and the President on the status and policy of religious freedom. He led the Department’s efforts to monitor violations of religious freedom, persecution, and discrimination around the world. He also oversaw policies and programs to address religious freedom issues and worked to build diverse and dynamic partnerships with the broadest civil society, with the inclusive and meaningful engagement of religious actors globally.
Henny Supolo Sitepu
Henny Supolo Sitepu has been Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Cahaya Guru Foundation from 2006 to the present. Her work with the foundation includes designing various workshops and teacher activities to develop perspectives on Diversity and Nationhood. She is also actively involved at Al Izhar Islamic School Pondok Labu as a Member and Coordinator in various areas. To this day, she continues to serve as speaker and facilitator in various trainings, workshops, conferences, and seminars related to diversity and nationhood, gender equality, environmentally-based classroom management, and the joy of reading and writing—both in Indonesia and abroad.
Stephen P. Heyneman
Stephen P. Heyneman earned a doctorate in comparative education from the University of Chicago in 1976. He worked at the World Bank for 22 years. Between 1976 and 1984, he assisted research on education quality and designed policies to support educational effectiveness. Between 1984 and 1989, he was responsible for external training for senior officials worldwide in education policy. Between 1989 and 1998, he was responsible for education policy and loan strategies, first for the Middle East and North Africa, and later for 27 countries in Europe and Central Asia. In July 2000, he was appointed Professor of International Education Policy at Vanderbilt University. He is currently interested in the influence of higher education on social cohesion, international trade in education services, and the economic and social costs of corruption in higher education.
Amra Sabic-El-Rayess
Amra Sabic-El-Rayess is a professor, award-winning author, and Executive Director of The International Lab for Research and Leadership in Interfaith Collaboration and Coexistence at Teachers College, Columbia University. Sabic-El-Rayess has taught, researched, and published on a wide range of education-related topics, including educational displacement, targeted violence, hate prevention, interfaith collaboration, Islam, anti-Muslim racism, storytelling, radicalization, othering, transitional justice, corruption, social cohesion, social mobility, and socio-political-cultural transformation. Dr. Sabic-El-Rayess’s work in building resilience against ethnically, racially, and religiously motivated violence has led to her ongoing international engagement.
Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Adlin Sila, M.A., Ph.D.
Muhammad Adlin Sila earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), School of Culture, History and Language, RSPAS, Canberra – Australia in 2014. His Ph.D. dissertation titled Being Muslim in Bima of Sumbawa, Indonesia: Practices, Politics and Cultural Diversity received the Ann Bates Award for the best Ph.D. dissertation on Indonesia in 2015. At the 10th ICAS Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, his dissertation was longlisted for the ICAS Ten Dissertation Prize in Social Sciences of the 7th edition of the ICAS Book Prize (IBP), English edition. Upon successful review, his dissertation has been approved for publication by Leiden University Press (LUP).
Ambassador Bea ten Tusscher
Ambassador Bea ten Tusscher is the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Previously, she served as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Guatemala, Bangladesh, Norway, and most recently in Bulgaria (2017–2021). From 2009 to 2021, she served as Head of the Department for Human Rights, Gender, Governance, and Humanitarian Assistance for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Achsanul Habib
Achsanul Habib is the Director of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Previously, he served as Political Coordinator at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in New York, United States (2015–2018). He was recently appointed as Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations, WTO, and other international organizations in Geneva, Switzerland, as of August 8, 2023.
Brett Scharffs
Brett Scharffs is the Rex E. Lee Chair and Professor of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, and the Director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies. Professor Scharffs clerked at the U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit, and served as legal assistant at the Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal in The Hague. Before teaching at BYU, he worked as an attorney for the New York law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. He has previously taught at Yale University and the George Washington University Law School. Over the past ten years, he has been a visiting professor at Central European University in Budapest and has helped run a Certificate Training Program on Religion and the Rule of Law in Beijing in partnership with the Peking University Law School, focused on administrative and constitutional law. He has also co-organized similar programs in Vietnam and Myanmar. He has worked on developing a master’s-level course on Sharia and Human Rights with two universities in Indonesia.
Mien Usihen, S.H., M.H.
Mien Usihen, S.H., M.H., is the Head of the National Legal Development Agency at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. Previously, she held the position of Director General of Intellectual Property in 2023. In 2019, she served as Head of the Human Rights and Law Training and Development Agency. She also worked as Special Advisor on Social Affairs to the Minister of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia starting in 2018. Prior to that, she was Head of the Legal and Human Rights Services Division in various regions and served as Head of the Center for Legal and Human Rights Planning and Development from 2012 to 2016.
Greg Mitchel
Greg Mitchell serves as Chair of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable in Washington, D.C., a multi-faith, inclusive, and equal civic space that has demonstrated how religious and belief communities can engage cooperatively across their deepest differences and build mutual respect, trust, and interdependence while working together to engage governments and advance freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all. Greg is also Chair of the IRF Secretariat, a non-governmental organization established as a global leadership and coordination mechanism for the FORB movement. With support from the Templeton Religion Trust, the IRF Secretariat is building a global network of civil society roundtables and preparing to launch a three-year project designed to institutionalize a new approach to the movement—centered on cooperative engagement (which respects/protects human dignity and freedom of conscience) and strategic planning, alignment, and coordination. Before starting his own government relations firm in 2003 and working on criminal justice reform and religious freedom issues, Greg served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman James E. Rogan (1997–2000).
Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, B.Sc., M.M
Semuel Abrijani Pangerapan, B.Sc., M.M., is the Director General of Informatics Applications at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics of the Republic of Indonesia from 2016 to 2024. Previously, he was Chairman of the Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII). He earned his degree from Fresno State University of California, United States.
James Chen
James Chen is the Vice President for Global Operations at the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE). He first joined IGE in 2011, initially serving as Program Officer and later as Executive Director before assuming his current role. His work with IGE in engaging governments and civil society has taken him to Iraq, Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, and Singapore. Prior to joining IGE, James was a Research Fellow and Academic Resource Coordinator at the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies at the U.S. Department of Defense. James provided research support for engagements with national security officials from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. He also authored reports on the political, economic, military, and soft power aspects of China’s influence in the region. James’s writings have been published in Strategic Forum (National Defense University), The Diplomat, and The Review of Faith & International Affairs. James holds a master’s degree in International Relations and Security from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Iwan Kurniawan, Bc.IP., S.H., M.Si.
Iwan Kurniawan, Bc.IP., S.H., M.Si., serves as Expert Staff for Bureaucratic Reform Strengthening. He previously served as Head of the Planning Bureau at the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia.
Dr. Maruarar Siahaan
Maruarar Siahaan has led the Legal and Judicial Studies Taskforce at Institut Leimena since 2013. He is also the Rector of the Christian University of Indonesia in Jakarta. He has more than 30 years of experience as a judge within Indonesia’s judiciary. He previously served as Chief Judge of the Bengkulu High Court and the North Sumatra High Court. He was later elected as a Constitutional Justice in 2003—one of the very first, since the Constitutional Court was only established following the amendments to the 1945 Constitution—until his retirement in 2009. From 1995 to 1997, he was a member of Indonesia’s delegation to the sessions of the Ad Hoc Committee and the Preparatory Commission for the establishment of the International Criminal Court at the United Nations. He is the author of Undang-undang Dasar 1945: Konstitusi Yang Hidup (2008) and Hukum Acara Mahkamah Konstitusi Republik Indonesia (2011). He completed his doctoral studies in Legal Science at Diponegoro University, Semarang.
Prof. Dr. H. Mohammad Mahfud, S.H., S.U., M.I.P.
Prof. Dr. H. Mohammad Mahfud, S.H., S.U., M.I.P., has served as the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia since 2019. He previously served as Chief Justice and Constitutional Justice of the Constitutional Court during the 2008–2013 term. He was also a Member of Parliament and Minister of Defense under the National Unity Cabinet. He earned his Doctorate in 1993 from Gadjah Mada University. Before being appointed Minister, he was a lecturer and Professor of Constitutional Law at the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII), Yogyakarta.
Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Lubis, M.A.,
Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Lubis, M.A., is the Chair of the Women, Youth, and Family Division of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). She currently serves as Rector of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN), Jakarta, for the 2019–2023 term. She is the first woman to serve as rector of Indonesia’s largest Islamic university. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Al-Azhar University, obtaining her Licence (Lc) in 1988. She later took a short course on Women’s Studies at McGill University, Canada (1997). She obtained her Master’s degree from the Postgraduate School of IAIN Jakarta in the field of Islamic Cultural History under the Islamic Studies Program. In 2002, she received her doctorate in Islamic Cultural History from the same program at the UIN Jakarta Postgraduate School. A Professor of Islamic Political History, she also served as Vice Dean for General Administration at the Faculty of Dirasat Islamiyah from 2003 to 2009.
Mujtaba Hamdi
Mujtaba is the Executive Director of the Wahid Foundation. He also serves as a Sociology Lecturer at Nahdlatul Ulama University of Indonesia (UNUSIA). His work focuses on intellectual and social efforts to advance a just and peaceful society by embracing human knowledge, practice, and wisdom available across diverse cultures. He has more than 15 years of experience and responsibility in promoting freedom of expression and religious-cultural pluralism, socio-ecological justice, equal access to media and information, and participatory governance. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sharia Law and a Master’s degree in Anthropology from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia.
Dr. H. Wawan Djunaedi, M.A.,
Dr. H. Wawan Djunaedi, M.A., is the Head of the Resource Bureau at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Republic of Indonesia. He previously served as Head of the Center for Religious Harmony at the Ministry, and also as Head of the Center for Confucian Guidance and Education (2020–2021), Sub-directorate Head of Hajj Advocacy, Directorate of Hajj Management (2019–2020), and Head of the Interfaith Harmony Division at the Center for Religious Harmony (PKUB) (2017–2019). He completed his Doctorate in Educational Research & Evaluation at the State University of Jakarta in 2019, and earned his Master’s degree in Islamic History and Civilization at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta in 2004.
Y. Ambeg Paramarta, S.H., M.Si.,
Y. Ambeg Paramarta, S.H., M.Si., has served as Expert Staff for Politics and Security at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia since 2017. He also serves as Acting Secretary General of the Judicial Commission. He completed his undergraduate studies in Law at Ngurah Rai University, Bali, graduating in 1992. He then pursued a Master’s degree in National Resilience at the University of Indonesia, graduating in 2005.
Prof. Dr. Eddy O.S. Hiariej, S.H., M.Hum.
Prof. Dr. Eddy O.S. Hiariej, S.H., M.Hum., is the Deputy Minister of Law of the Republic of Indonesia. He is also a Professor of Criminal Law at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University.
Tina Ramirez
Tina Ramirez serves as President/Executive Director and brings 20 years of experience at Hardwired as an educator, foreign policy expert, and legal authority on international human rights and religious freedom. She previously served as a policy advisor for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, and as a foreign policy advisor for the U.S. Congress, where she founded the bipartisan International Religious Freedom Caucus. She also served as Director of Government Relations and International Programs at Becket Law. Tina has published widely and is the author of Iraq: Hope in the Midst of Darkness (2017), as well as contributing author and editor of Human Rights in the United States: A Dictionary and Documents (2010 and 2017). She holds a certificate from the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, an M.A. in Education from Vanguard University, and an M.A. in International Human Rights from the University of Essex, UK.
Wade Kusack
Wade was born and raised in Belarus. He is bilingual in English and Russian and has a broad cross-sectoral network across the former Soviet Union, particularly in Central Asia. He has organized or participated in more than 150 discussions and roundtables concerning religious studies through platforms involving governments, academia, and civil society; and has developed educational networks for religious leaders on international and domestic religious laws and policies. His direct experience in peacebuilding and reconciliation, as well as leading interfaith dialogue, has inspired many stakeholders to establish the nonprofit organization Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC).
Dr. Mualimin Abdi, SH, MH.,
Dr. Mualimin Abdi, S.H., M.H., completed his Doctoral studies in Government Science at Padjadjaran University, West Java. Before serving as Director General of Human Rights, he was Head of the Research and Development Agency for Human Rights at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. He remains actively involved as the government’s representative (Legal Counsel to the President of the Republic of Indonesia) in sessions at the Constitutional Court.
Dr. Ari Gordon
Dr. Ari Gordon is the Director of U.S. Muslim-Jewish Relations at the American Jewish Committee, where he builds partnerships between American Jewish and Muslim communities to collaborate on issues of shared concern and foster civility in areas of disagreement. His work is based on the premise that healthy Muslim-Jewish relations benefit both communities and strengthen the democratic fabric of the United States.
Dr. Phil Sahiron Syamsudin
Dr. Phil. Sahiron Syamsudin is a Professor at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Yogyakarta, and an expert in Islamic hermeneutics. Fluent in English, Arabic, and German, he has authored numerous works and is an active speaker at academic conferences both domestically and internationally. He earned his Ph.D. from Otto-Friedrich University in Bamberg, Germany, and continued his postdoctoral research at the University of Frankfurt am Main.
Daniel Bambang Dwi Byantoro
Archimandrite Father Daniel Byantoro, Ph.D., is an Indonesian archimandrite and the founder of the Indonesian Orthodox Church. Under his leadership, the Indonesian Orthodox Church is formally involved in interactive dialogue with national religious leaders and communities. He is frequently invited as a speaker at global religious seminars and holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary, Indiana, USA.
H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi
H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi is a Member of the UAE Federal National Council for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chair of the Council’s Defense, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee. He is the Founder and Chairman of the World Council of Muslim Communities. He also currently serves as Chairman of the International Steering Board of Hedayah, the International Center of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism. A pioneer in educational reform and policy in the UAE, Dr. Al Nuaimi has served as Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge in his capacity as a Member of the Executive Council of the Government of Abu Dhabi.
David Saperstein
Rabbi David Saperstein is the former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom under President Obama and a member of the Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council at the American Jewish Committee. He is also the Director Emeritus of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Once named by Newsweek Magazine as the most influential rabbi in America, for decades he led the Center, representing the largest segment of American Jewry to the U.S. Congress and Administration. He later served as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is also a member of the Steering Committee of The Alliance of Virtue, initiated by Shaykh Abdallah Bin Bayyah based on the shared values of the Abrahamic religions.
Johnnie Moore
Rev. Johnnie Moore is the President of The Congress of Christian Leaders. He is also a Commissioner at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. He is one of the most recognized Christian leaders in the Middle East for his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among religious communities, having met with regional leaders including most heads of state in the Arab world. In 2017, he participated in formulating the historic Bahrain Declaration on Religious Freedom and Peaceful Coexistence in the Middle East. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Evangelicals.
Pdt. Dr. Henriette T. Lebang
Rev. Dr. Henriette T. Hutabarat-Lebang is the Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) for the 2019–2024 term, after serving as General Chairperson from 2014–2019. She has also served as a Member of the National Education Standards Board (2019–2021) and Chairperson of the Indonesian Bible Society (2021–2023). Previously, she was Secretary General of the Christian Conference of Asia—the first woman to lead the institution. She is also a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches and a Senior Advisory Board Member of the Indonesia-U.S. Council on Religion and Pluralism founded by USINDO. She earned her Master of Arts and Doctorate in Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in the United States.
Sri Kurniati Handayani Pane, S.H., M.H.
Sri Kurniati Handayani Pane, S.H., M.H., has served as Director of Dissemination and Empowerment at the Directorate General of Human Rights, Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Republic of Indonesia since 2021. She previously held the position of Head of Legal and Human Rights Services Division at the Ministry’s Regional Office in Banten (2015–2021), and in Gorontalo (2014–2015). She earned her law degree in Civil Law from Tarumanagara University in 1986 and completed her postgraduate studies in Legal Science at STIH IBLAM in 2001. She actively participates as a speaker in various events related to law and human rights, and continues to teach at Muhammadiyah University Tangerang since 2012.
Prof. Do Lan Hien
Assoc. Prof. Do Lan Hien is the former Director and Professor at the Institute of Religions and Beliefs at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Vietnam. The institution provides courses on religion and belief for mid- to senior-level bureaucrats. Assoc. Prof. Do Lan Hien has published books and articles on religion and security, and on religious law and policy in Vietnam. He also serves as an advisor to policymakers.
Yuyun Wahyuningrum
Yuyun Wahyuningrum is Indonesia’s Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and a Senior Advisor on ASEAN and Human Rights at the Human Rights Working Group. Previously, she served as Advisor for Human Rights at ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (2014–2019) and as Team Leader of the Regional EU-ASEAN Dialogue Instrument (READI) Human Rights Facility (2015–2017). She holds an M.A. in Human Rights and Development from Mahidol University.
Pastor Bob Roberts Jr
Bob Roberts Jr. is a renowned pastor and bridge-builder who has dedicated his life to promoting and advancing religious freedom, peacemaking, and civic engagement. He is the founder of GlocalNet, a ministry dedicated to mobilizing churches to bring transformation into the public square; co-founder of the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN), an organization committed to promoting religious freedom through intentional cross-cultural relationships; and the newly appointed President of the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), an organization that catalyzes religious freedom worldwide so that everyone has the ability to live what they believe.
Imam Mohamed Magid
Imam Mohamed Magid is the Executive Imam of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center in Sterling, Virginia. He serves as Chairman of the International Interfaith Peace Corps (IIPC) and is a former President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). He also chairs Muflehun, a think tank focused on addressing violent extremist ideologies through research-based prevention programs within religious frameworks. Imam Magid has a long-standing history of public service through various organizations, including The Peaceful Families Project.
Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Thohir, S.Ag., M.Pd
Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Thohir, S.Ag., M.Pd., is the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training at the State Islamic University (UIN) Sunan Ampel Surabaya. As a professor and faculty dean, he holds deep expertise in Islamic education and management. As a board member of PW Jam’iyatul Qurra wal Huffazh Nahdlatul Ulama of East Java and Chair of the FAQIH Foundation, he actively promotes education and youth development. Through these roles, he strives to cultivate future leaders with the potential to create positive societal change
Nadine Maenza
Nadine Maenza is the President of the IRF Secretariat, which builds infrastructure to serve the global religious freedom movement, organizing the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable in Washington, DC, and in nearly 40 countries around the world. She also serves as a Global Fellow at The Wilson Center. In May 2022, Nadine completed her second term at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), where she served as Chair. She is also Chair of the Board at the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) and serves on the boards of the Sinjar Academy and the Freedom Research Foundation.
Pdt. Dr. Andreas Anangguru Yewangoe
Rev. Dr. Andreas Anangguru Yewangoe is a pastor, lecturer, and Protestant Christian theologian born in Mamboru, West Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, on March 31, 1945. He has made major contributions in the fields of theological education and church leadership in Indonesia. In the public sphere, Rev. Yewangoe has played a significant role in the promotion of Pancasila ideology. He was appointed as a Member of the Steering Committee for the Presidential Unit for the Promotion of Pancasila Ideology (UKP-PIP) on June 7, 2017, and later as a Member of the Steering Committee of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) from February 28, 2018, to the present. Through his role in BPIP, Yewangoe contributes to strengthening and promoting Pancasila values in Indonesian society.
Riandy Prawita
Riandy Prawita is the current Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Students Association (IPM). He was active in the student council (PR IPM) at SMA Muhammadiyah 2 Surabaya as General Secretary (2014–2015) and Head of External Relations (2015–2016). He continued his involvement in IPM as Head of Leadership Development at the city-level board (PD IPM Surabaya) and later served as Head of Advocacy for the provincial board of IPM East Java (2018–2020). He completed the highest IPM cadre training: Taruna Melati Utama. During the 2021–2023 term of the national board (PP IPM), he served as Head of Research and Development. He studied Government Science at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, where he also served as Chair of the Student Legislative Council.
Septiaji Eko Nugroho, S.T., M.Sc.
Septiaji Eko Nugroho is the Chairman of the Indonesian Anti-Slander Society (MAFINDO), known for its TurnBackHoax.ID platform, which has significantly contributed to combating misinformation and disinformation online. He is also the Founder and Director of Bavaria Infotech Utama, an IT company in Wonosobo, and Co-Founder and Director of PT Thrust Multidaya Indonesia. In addition to his work at MAFINDO, Septiaji has been an advisor for the National Movement for Digital Literacy (Siberkreasi) since 2017. His role includes leading educational campaigns such as Stop Hoax Indonesia, TularNalar.ID, and Kelas Kebal Hoaks, supported by Google.org.
Desca Lidya Natalia
Desca Lidya Natalia is a journalist with the National News Agency (LKBN) ANTARA and currently serves as Head of ANTARA’s Beijing Bureau. She began her journalism career in August 2010, covering the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the Corruption Court, the presidential palace, and the vice-presidential palace until 2023, gaining extensive experience in Indonesian politics and law. Since August 2023, her new role in Beijing has provided invaluable exposure to the political, economic, and socio-cultural landscape of China. Desca earned her undergraduate degree in International Relations from Universitas Indonesia (2010) and a Master’s in Diplomacy from Paramadina University (2015).
Prof. Dr. Oman Fathurahman, M.Hum
Prof. Dr. Oman Fathurahman, M.Hum., is a Professor of Philology at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, and the caretaker of Al-Hamidiyah Islamic Boarding School in Depok. He is a Senior Researcher at PPIM UIN Jakarta, specializing in Islamic Nusantara manuscripts written in Arabic, Malay, Sundanese, and Javanese. He served as Special Advisor to the Minister of Religious Affairs (2017–2021), Acting Director General of Hajj and Umrah Services, Head of the Religious Moderation Task Force, and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He completed his undergraduate studies at IAIN Jakarta (1994), and his Master’s (1998) and Doctorate (2003) at the University of Indonesia. He was a visiting researcher at Cologne University (2006–2008), and a visiting professor at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (2010), Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (2012–2013), Kyoto University (2016), and Osaka University (2017).
Romo Agustinus Heri Wibowo, SS, S.H, M.H.
Commonly known as Father Heri, Rev. Agustinus Heri Wibowo graduated from the Faculty of Theology at Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta in 2003 and was ordained shortly after. In 2013, he pursued legal studies at Atma Jaya Catholic University, later earning a Master of Law with cum laude honors. He has served as Chair of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Jakarta since 2016. He received a scholarship from the Frans Seda Foundation for Cultural Studies at the School of Humanities, Tilburg University, Netherlands. Since 2019, he has served as Executive Secretary for the Commission on Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs at the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), collaborating with leaders of various faiths in Indonesia and abroad to build mutual understanding and shared encounters.
Dr. Harniati, S.H., LLM
Dr. Harniati, S.H., LLM, is the Acting Director General of Human Rights Instruments and Strengthening at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. She earned her Bachelor of Laws from Universitas Andalas and continued her postgraduate studies (LLM) in Business Law at Niigata University, Japan. She also completed her doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Personal and Social Development at the same university. Prior to this role, she served as Head of the Legal and Human Rights Services Division in the Ministry’s North Maluku Regional Office (2019), West Nusa Tenggara Regional Office (2020), and most recently in West Kalimantan Regional Office (2022).
Febby Cipta
Febby Cipta is a young activist dedicated to youth empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and social issues. He gained public recognition as the Human Rights Ambassador for West Java in 2020 and has since expanded his influence nationally through platforms such as Mister Teen Indonesia, where he earned the title of 2nd Runner-Up in 2022. Febby is also a brand ambassador, Instagram content creator, and currently a student of International Relations at Universitas Komputer Indonesia.
Indah Nuria Savitri
Indah Nuria Savitri is the Director of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs at the Directorate General of Multilateral Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. She is a results-oriented professional with strong expertise in human rights, health, and humanitarian issues in multilateral settings. She enjoys building extensive networks and working both independently and in teams. Previously, she served as Deputy Director for Civil and Political Rights (2019–2022) and Assistant Deputy Director for Promotion of Civil and Political Rights (2012–2019) at the same ministry.
Mercy Chriesty Barends, ST
Mercy Chriesty Barends, S.T., is a politician and activist who has served as a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives since 2014. She has held several strategic roles, including Member of Commission VII (2014–2024) and now Commission X (2024–2029). She has served as Chair of the Green Economy Caucus (since 2019), Chair of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (since 2021), and Chair of the Special Committee on Provincial Bills (since 2018). She also chairs the Indonesia-Finland Parliamentary Cooperation Group (since 2019), serves on the State Budget Committee, and has been a member of the Parliamentary Nuclear Caucus since 2015. Politically and socially, she served as Deputy Chair for Party Resources at PDI-P Maluku (2010–2015) and held leadership positions in youth and women’s advocacy organizations. Mercy is active in international forums related to peace, human rights, labor, and child protection.
Dr. Giovanna R. Czander
Dr. Giovanna R. Czander is a Visiting Scholar at the Institute on Religion, Law and Lawyer’s Work, Fordham University, New York. She specializes in philosophy, pedagogy, and interreligious and intercultural dialogue. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on the Old Testament, New Testament, Religion and Human Experience, Religion in America, and World Religions. Her research focuses on the Old Testament, particularly prophetic and wisdom literature, the Pentateuch, and theological interpretations of biblical law. She has taught at Marist College, Iona College, Manhattan College, Fordham University, New York Theological Seminary, and in the Diaconate Program of the Archdiocese of New York, as well as at various international academic institutions. She is a member of the Abba School, an interdisciplinary international research center under the Focolare Movement. She also contributes as a translator and interpreter for the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and the beatification process of Vietnamese Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, former President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (1998–2002).
Arif Jamali Muis, S.Pd., M.Pd
Arif Jamali Muis is the Special Staff to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Republic of Indonesia. In addition to his academic and bureaucratic career, he is active in Muhammadiyah, having served as Vice Chairman of the Yogyakarta Muhammadiyah Regional Board (2015–2022) and now as Secretary (2022–2027). He is also Vice Chairman of Lazismu and the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) of the Central Board. A prolific writer, his works cover education, social issues, and Islamic topics.
Fatwa Nur Azizah
Fatwa Nur Azizah teaches Qur’an and Hadith at MAN 1 Magetan. She is known not only for classroom teaching but also for actively promoting religious and intercultural literacy in schools. Her commitment to literacy has led her to engage in various interfaith and intercultural initiatives. She believes that deep understanding of religion is enriched through good practice and appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives in line with universal Islamic values.
Maria Lucia Uribe
Maria Lucia Uribe is the Executive Director of Arigatou International Geneva, leading the Ethics Education Initiative for Children in over 30 countries. She oversees Arigatou’s engagement with UN agencies and child rights NGOs in Geneva. She previously coordinated Education and Fragility at INEE and was Program Officer for Arigatou’s Learning to Live Together program. She convenes the International Consortium on Nurturing Values and Spirituality in Early Childhood and the Working Group on Children and Violence, and serves on the Steering Group of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development.
Alexander Rieger
Alexander Rieger is the Head of the Unit for Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue and leads the Task Force on Dialogue of Cultures and Religions at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With over 22 years of diplomatic experience, he has served in Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Iran. He is the founder of the Vienna Group on Religion & Diplomacy and currently chairs the IRFBA Working Group on Interfaith Dialogue. Rieger also coordinates Austria’s Intercultural Achievement Award and initiated bilateral dialogue programs with Morocco and the UAE. He holds a master’s degree in Social Sciences and International Management, and teaches theory and practice of dialogue at the University of Vienna.
Dr. Muhammad Adib Abdushomad
Dr. Muhammad Adib Abdushomad adalah Kepala Pusat Kerukunan Umat Beragama Kementerian Agama RI sejak 2024. Beliau memiliki pengalaman luas di bidang pendidikan, diplomasi antaragama, dan pengembangan kebijakan publik. Meraih gelar doktor dari Flinders University, Australia, beliau juga aktif mengajar, menjadi penasehat, dan konsultan di berbagai lembaga. Sebelumnya, beliau menduduki sejumlah posisi strategis di Ditjen Pendidikan Islam dan menjadi anggota tim naskah pidato Menteri Agama. Selain aktif menulis dan berbicara di forum internasional, beliau juga membina pesantren dan aktif dalam kepengurusan Nahdlatul Ulama, baik di dalam maupun luar negeri. Kepakarannya diakui secara nasional dan internasional.
Ferry Yefta Mamahit, Ph.D
Rev. Ferry Yefta Mamahit, Ph.D., is a lecturer at the Southeast Asia Bible Seminary. He has a deep interest in exploring Muslim-Christian relations in Indonesia. He is active in the Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies and has served as a Research Associate at Oxford University since January 2022. He holds an M.Div. from the Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary in the Philippines, an M.Th. from Sekolah Tinggi Teologi SAAT in Indonesia, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
Dr. Renee Hattar
Dr. Renee Hattar holds a Ph.D. in Peace Studies from the University of Granada, Spain, with a specialization in Music and Peace, focusing on Arab Christian Studies, Interfaith Dialogue, and Peacebuilding. From 2006 to 2016, she served as the Coordinator of the Middle East Department at the International Center for Christian Studies in Granada, Spain. She also worked as a consultant on Christian-Muslim interfaith relations for the Spanish Episcopal Conference between 2012 and 2016. In 2016, Dr. Hattar joined the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS) as Head of International Studies, Programs, and Projects, and in August 2021, she was appointed as Director of RIIFS.
Dr. Partono NyanaSuryanadi Mahathera, M.Pd., M.Pd.B.,
Dr. Partono Nyana Suryanadi Mahathera, M.Pd., M.Pd.B., is the Maha Nayaka of the Supreme Sangha of Indonesia, an esteemed academic and religious leader who has made significant contributions to Buddhist education in Indonesia. Since 2000, he has served as a lecturer at the Smaratungga College of Buddhist Studies in Boyolali, Central Java. In his role, he not only teaches but also mentors students and participates in curriculum development. In 2022, he was appointed as Maha Nayaka of the Supreme Sangha of Indonesia, a key leadership position he will hold until 2027. This role reflects his dedication and wide-reaching influence within the Buddhist community in Indonesia. Dr. Partono earned his doctoral degree in Educational Management from Universitas Negeri Semarang. He also holds two master’s degrees: one in Guidance and Counseling from Universitas Negeri Semarang and another in Buddhist Religious Education from the Smaratungga College of Buddhist Studies. His bachelor’s degree was also in Guidance and Counseling from Universitas Negeri Semarang. With his extensive professional experience and deep academic background, Dr. Partono continues to contribute to both the educational and spiritual development of the Buddhist community in Indonesia.
Miswanto, S.Ag., M.Pd.H.
Miswanto, S.Ag., M.Pd.H., serves as the Head of the Education Division and Chair of the Education Quality Assurance Institute of the Nusantara Hindu Acharya Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree from IHDN Denpasar in 2005 and his master’s degree from UNHI Denpasar in 2011. He is also a contributing writer for the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI) Indonesia. As a lecturer at STAH Shantika Dharma Malang, he actively writes and conducts research in the fields of culture and Hindu philosophy. His work includes books, journals, and research on Javanese and Hindu philosophy. He is also engaged with several organizations, including the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, and serves as a national speaker on digital literacy and the development of Hindu education in Indonesia.
Xs. Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo
Xs. Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo is the Chairman of the Council of Spiritual Leaders / Central Board of the Supreme Council for the Confucian Religion in Indonesia (MATAKIN). Active as a writer and activist, Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo played a significant role in advocating for the recognition of the Lunar New Year (Imlek) as a nationally celebrated holiday. He became the Chair of the first National Lunar New Year Celebration, which was later designated as an optional holiday (Hari Libur Fakultatif) by President KH. Abdurrahman Wahid, and subsequently declared a National Public Holiday in 2003 by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. In addition, he currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Experts of INTI (Indonesian Chinese Association), after previously serving as Vice Chairman for the 2017–2021 period and Secretary General from 2005–2017. He also leads the Indonesian National Encyclopedia Project (ENI), comprising 18 volumes, authored by more than 400 Indonesian scholars, intellectuals, and writers.
Andar Nubowo, Ph.D
Andar Nubowo, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Maarif Institute. He earned his Master’s degree from EHESS Paris (2008) and his Ph.D. from ENS Lyon (2023). Actively involved in the Muhammadiyah Special Branch in France (PCIM Prancis), he also writes extensively on moderate Islam, soft power diplomacy, and Muhammadiyah’s social engagement. His works have been published in Muslim Politics Review, Social Sciences and Missions, and the RSIS Commentary Series. He has also participated in global research projects, including at Emory State University and IRASEC. His awards include the Bourse d’Islamologie (2023) and the Mahar SCHUTZENBERGER Prize (2021).
Dr. Ponijan Liaw, M.Pd., CSM
Andar Nubowo, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of the Maarif Institute. He earned his Master’s degree from EHESS Paris (2008) and his Ph.D. from ENS Lyon (2023). Actively involved in the Muhammadiyah Special Branch in France (PCIM Prancis), he also writes extensively on moderate Islam, soft power diplomacy, and Muhammadiyah’s social engagement. His works have been published in Muslim Politics Review, Social Sciences and Missions, and the RSIS Commentary Series. He has also participated in global research projects, including at Emory State University and IRASEC. His awards include the Bourse d’Islamologie (2023) and the Mahar SCHUTZENBERGER Prize (2021).
Dr. Haskarlianus Pasang
Dr. Haskarlianus Pasang is the Head of Operations Sustainability at PT Sinar Mas Agro. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Forest Resource Conservation from IPB University (2009), and later obtained his Master’s and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Melbourne. He also completed executive programs at the University of Virginia and the University of Cambridge. Currently, he serves as Head of Operations Sustainability at Golden Agri-Resources (PT SMART Tbk). In ministry, he is active at GKI Bogor Baru as a congregational theology instructor and preaching mentor at the Langham Foundation. He has also authored books on ecology and the Christian worldview.
Pdt. Darwin Darmawan, M.Th.
Rev. Darwin Darmawan, M.Th. is the General Secretary of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI). He is actively involved in interfaith initiatives, serving as Deputy Secretary of the Interreligious Harmony Forum (FKUB) of Bogor City and as a Member of the Advisory Board of the Interfaith Social Agency (BASOLIA) of Bogor City. He also teaches as a lecturer in Christian religious studies at IPB University.
Salomina Patty, S.PAK, M.Si
Salomina Patty, S.PAK, M.Si. adalah Alumni LKLB Angkatan 54. Beliau adalah Kepala Sekolah SMAS Kristen Rehoboth, Ambon.
Sarifudin, S.Pd.I., M.Pd
Sarifudin, S.Pd.I., M.Pd. adalah Alumni LKLB Angkatan 22. Beliau adalah Guru di MTs Negeri 6 Kebumen.
KM. Sri Wahyuni, S.Ag
KM. Sri Wahyuni, S.Ag, adalah Alumni LKLB Angkatan 32. Beliau adalah Sekretaris Prodi Ma’had Aly As’adiyah Sengkang, Wajo.
Listia Suprobo
Listia Suprobo is an Education Activist at the Association for the Development of Interreligious Education (Pappirus).
Dr. Nita Isaeni, S.IP, M.Pd
Dr. Nita Isaeni, S.IP., M.Pd. was born in Bandung on July 1, 1968. She currently holds the position of Associate Expert in Learning Technology Development, with the civil service rank of Pembina Tingkat 1, grade IVb. Dr. Nita Isaeni completed her doctoral (Ph.D.) studies. She serves as Head of the Learning Transformation Working Team, Directorate of Primary School Teachers, Directorate General of Teachers and Education Personnel, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.
Gusti Ayu Putu Suwardani, Bc.IP., S.H., M.Si.
Gusti Ayu Putu Suwardani, Bc.IP., S.H., M.Si. is the Head of the Human Resources Development Agency for Law (BPSDM Hukum), Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. Previously, she served as Director of Dissemination and Strengthening of Human Rights at the same ministry.
Tri Windiarto, M.Si
Tri Windiarto, M.Si. is an Associate Expert Statistician at the Directorate of Social Resilience Statistics, Statistics Indonesia (BPS). He has served as Head of the National Happiness Measurement Survey (SPTK) Team in 2021, Head of the Jembrana Regency SPTK Team in 2022, Head of the Badung Regency SPTK Team for 2022–2024, and Head of the National Anti-Corruption Behavior Survey (SPAK) Team in 2024
Odniel Hakim Gultom, S.Pi, M.Si (Teol.)
Odniel Hakim Gultom, S.Pi., M.Si. (Theol.) is an alumnus of CCRL, Cohort 55. He is a teacher at SMAK BPK Penabur Singgasana, Bandung.
Muhammad Hafiz
Muhammad Hafiz is a Researcher at CENTRA Initiative. He is also the Associate Founder of FORMASI Disabilitas. He previously worked at the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) as Executive Director.