Jakarta, December 2024 --
The IFAR Consortium hosted Laura Hein, professor of history and Director of the Arryman Scholars Program at Northwestern University, for a series of impactful conversations with the leadership of all four members of the IFAR consortium: Monash University Indonesia, the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII), Atma Jaya Catholic University, and LPEM at the University of Indonesia. Joined by the representatives from ISRSF’s leadership team and members of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Hein’s visit underscored the IFAR Consortium’s dedication to nurturing world-class scholars and fostering impactful academic collaborations, especially with the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs at Northwestern. The discussions highlighted a shared vision to empower the IFARs as an intellectual home for
influential academics and researchers, whose groundbreaking work contributes meaningfully to global discourse and inspires transformative change.
A Strategic Focus: Addressing Inequality
The theme of “Inequality in Southeast Asia” was at the forefront of discussions. Each IFAR is uniquely positioned to address this critical issue through interdisciplinary research, community-driven solutions, and global partnerships. From Atma Jaya’s focus on education and energy access, to UIII’s commitment to interfaith understanding, and Monash Indonesia’s socio-environmental initiatives focused on Banten, the IFAR Consortium continues to push the boundaries of research and policy innovation.
As these collaborations grow, the IFAR Consortium has an opportunity to foster transformative academic and societal contributions that unite institutions worldwide to address inequality in all its forms.
IFAR Monash Indonesia: Addressing Inequality through the Banten Mosaic Initiative
From left to right: Dr. Anto Mohsin (Director of IFAR LPEM UI); Prof. Laura Hein; and
Prof. Jane Jacobs (Director of IFAR Monash University, Indonesia).
The visit to IFAR Monash Indonesia highlighted its pioneering Banten Mosaic Initiative. One of Indonesia’s poorest provinces, Banten borders Jakarta, the country’s most prosperous area. The initiative seeks to understand and address this phenomenon of “proximity without prosperity.” This evidence-based project integrates research with community-driven strategies to promote sustainability, resilience, and equity. As the host for the 2025 Arryman Symposium, IFAR Monash Indonesia is poised to showcase its research excellence and leadership in tackling issues like inequality. Discussions also emphasized the importance of integrating local projects into global academic discourses, with potential for expanded collaborations through the IFAR network and Northwestern University.
From left to right: Prof. Laura Hein; Prof. Matthew Nicholson (President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Indonesia); Irfan Hutagalung, LL.M. (Coordinator, IFAR Consortium & Chairman, ISRSF).
IFAR UIII: Fostering Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue
From left to right: Irfan Hutagalung, LL.M. (Coordinator, IFAR Consortium & Chairman, ISRSF); Prof. Dr. Jamhari Makruf (Rector & Director of IFAR UIII); Prof. Laura Hein; Ana Saleh (ISRSF).
Discussions at IFAR UIII centered on groundbreaking initiatives such as the establishment of the Indonesian Human Fraternity Institute, the Interfaith Institute, and the East-West Center. These projects reflect UIII’s dedication to fostering inclusive dialogue and addressing inequality through interdisciplinary research. The visit also included a tour, led personally by Rector Jamhari, of UIII’s renowned Jusuf Kalla Library and its spectacular Mosque, reinforcing the university’s cultural and academic prominence. Notably, collaborative opportunities with Northwestern University were also explored, highlighting the potential to enhance global visibility and impact.
From left to right: Irfan Hutagalung, LLM (Coordinator, IFAR Consortium & Chairman, ISRSF); Prof. Dr. Jamhari Makruf (Rector & Director of IFAR UIII); and Prof. Laura Hein.
IFAR Atma Jaya: Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Policy Making
From left to right: Prof. Jonathan Pincus (ISRSF Board of Trustees) and Prof. Laura Hein.
During Prof. Hein’s visit to IFAR Atma Jaya, the university’s initiatives to support government officials from Indonesia’s eastern regions were a key highlight. With a focus on impactful research and inclusivity, Atma Jaya’s initiatives, such as the "Atma Peduli Southwest Sumba" scholarship program and solar energy projects, demonstrate a commitment to tackling inequality through actionable solutions. Moreover, the university’s newly launched School of Public Policy (SPP) aims to equip local leaders with tools for inclusive and effective governance. The visit also facilitated discussions on potential collaborations with Northwestern University’s Buffett Institute, emphasizing shared goals of equity and global partnerships.
From left to right: Dr.iur. Asmin Fransiska, S.H., LL.M. (Dean of the Faculty of Law, Atma Jaya Catholic University) and Prof. Laura Hein.
Strengthening the IFAR Consortium’s Vision
The visits reaffirmed the strategic role of the IFAR Consortium in uniting world-class institutions to address a range of issues of importance to Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Through initiatives like the Arryman Symposium, innovative projects, and collaborative partnerships in research and publications, the IFAR Consortium is building a foundation for impactful academic and societal contributions.
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Stay tuned for more updates on these initiatives and the upcoming Arryman Symposium in 2025. For further details, visit IFAR’s website.
