"At least, going forward, the AICIS can be better, more lively, maybe expanded to the Asian region, maybe Tibet, India; religious leaders can attend the AICIS," the ministry's secretary general, Nizar Ali, said.
He made the statement on the sidelines of the 2024 AICIS at Walisongo State Islamic University, Semarang, Central Java, on Saturday. The conference organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs is being held from February 1–4, 2024.
This year's AICIS has brought hundreds of international Muslim intellectuals together to produce solutions to several global issues related to humanity.
The conference is being attended by the rectors of state and private Islamic universities in Indonesia, religious leaders, as well as international Islamic academicians.
Related news: Indonesia to host AICIS, religions address global challenges: Official
For the 2024 edition, AICIS has raised the theme of "Redefining the Roles of Religion in Addressing Human Crisis: Encountering Peace, Justice, and Human Rights Issues" to create peace, justice, and mutual respect.
Ali, who is also serving as acting rector of Walisongo State Islamic University, said that the presence of AICIS participants will not only have a positive impact on the university, but also on state Islamic universities in general.
Earlier, at the opening of the 2024 AICIS in Semarang on Thursday (February 1), Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Saiful Rahmat Dasuki, said that the conference will serve as a strategic forum to redefine the role of religion in handling humanitarian crises.
"Let us continue to maintain and encourage the spirit of open dialogue and mutual understanding, building bridges between beliefs, creating peace, (and supporting) individuals to get peace, justice, and respect for their basic rights," he added.
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Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Raka Adji
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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