Strengthening Global Academic Synergy: IFAR Consortium Hosts Prof. Laura Hein’s Strategic Visit to Indonesia

Jakarta, December 2024 — The IFAR Consortium welcomed Prof. Laura Hein, professor of history and Director of the Arryman Program at Northwestern University, for a two-day series of impactful discussions with the leaderships of IFAR member institutions of Monash University Indonesia, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), Atma Jaya Catholic University, and the IFAR LPEM UI on December 16-17, 2024.

Prof. Laura Hein (Arryman Program Director, Northwestern University)

Accompanied by representatives of the ISRSF leadership team and members of the Board of Trustees, Prof. Hein’s visit focused on strengthening partnerships, advancing strategic initiatives, and fostering collaboration, especially with the Buffett Institute at Northwestern University. The discussions and engagements emphasized the Consortium's commitment to ensuring that IFARs excel as an intellectual home for publishing researchers and educators, with their academic contributions shaping and enriching global debates.

From left to right: Prof. Laura Hein (Arryman Program Director, Northwestern University), Irfan Hutagalung, LLM (Coordinator, IFAR Consortium & Chairman, ISRSF)

Uniting IFAR Institutions under the Theme of “Inequality”

A cornerstone of the visit was the theme of "Inequality in Southeast Asia." Each IFAR institution presented innovative approaches to tackling inequality within their specific contexts, showcasing how interdisciplinary research and practical solutions can generate transformative impact. From socio-environmental challenges to interfaith dialogue and equitable policymaking, IFAR institutions demonstrated their commitment to addressing complex societal issues on both local and global levels.

Key Highlights of the Visits

Monash Indonesia: A Beacon for Sustainability and Equity

From left to right: Prof. Laura Hein, and Prof. Jane Jacobs (Director of IFAR Monash Indonesia).

At Monash University Indonesia, the focus was on the Banten Mosaic Initiative, a project aimed at addressing the socio-economic and environmental disparities in Banten Province. By integrating urbanization research, community engagement, and sustainability strategies, this initiative aligns perfectly with the Consortium’s mission of tackling inequality.

Additionally, IFAR Monash Indonesia’s role as the host of the 2025 Arryman Symposium was a focal point of discussion. The symposium promises to elevate IFAR’s visibility on the global stage, positioning Monash Indonesia as a leader in interdisciplinary discourse while fostering cross-IFAR collaboration.

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),

UIII: Pioneering Human Fraternity and Interfaith Dialogue

The visit to UIII highlighted its groundbreaking efforts in fostering global understanding dialogue and addressing inequality through projects like the Human Fraternity, interfaith Institute and the East-West Center. These initiatives exemplify UIII’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and its pivotal role as a cultural and intellectual nexus, bridging global communities and promoting mutual understanding.

From left to right: Prof. Laura Hein; Prof. Dr. Jamhari Makruf (Rector & Director of IFAR UIII).

A tour of the iconic Jusuf Kalla Library and the university’s spectacular mosque led personally by Rector Jamhari underscored UIII’s unique identity as a space where cultural heritage and academic excellence converge. Collaborative opportunities with Northwestern University were also explored, with the aim of amplifying UIII’s global reach and impact.

From left to right: Prof. Laura Hein; Prof. Dr. Jamhari Makruf (Rector & Director of IFAR UIII).

Atma Jaya: Empowering Local Leaders for Inclusive Governance

From left to right: Prof. Jonathan Pincus (ISRSF Board of Trustees); Prof. Laura Hein.

At Atma Jaya Catholic University, discussions centered on empowering marginalized communities through education and policymaking. The Atma Peduli Southwest Sumba initiative and the university’s solar energy projects exemplify Atma Jaya’s commitment to bridging knowledge gaps and addressing inequality in underserved regions.

The forthcoming School of Public Policy (SPP) was also highlighted as a key driver for equipping local government officials with tools for effective and inclusive governance. The visit paved the way for potential collaborations with Northwestern University’s Buffett Institute, promising to expand the scope of impactful partnerships.

From left to right: Dr. Anto Mohsin (Director, IFAR LPEM-UI); Dr.iur. Asmin Fransiska, S.H., LL.M. (Dean of the Faculty of Law, Atma Jaya Catholic University), Dr. Yohanes Eko Adi Prasetyanto, S. Si (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Human Resources, Atma Jaya Catholic University); Sabella Yandinata (Project Officer, Institute of Public Policy (IPP) and IFAR Atma Jaya).

Looking Ahead: Strengthening IFAR’s Vision

Prof. Hein’s visit reaffirmed the IFAR Consortium’s role as a catalyst for global collaboration, emphasizing the transformative power of interdisciplinary research and partnerships. The 2025 Arryman Symposium, hosted by Monash Indonesia, will serve as a flagship platform to amplify these efforts and showcase the Consortium’s collective contributions to addressing inequality.

Through initiatives like these, the IFAR Consortium continues to unite institutions worldwide, driving innovation and equity while addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

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Stay connected for updates on the 2025 Arryman Symposium and other transformative IFAR initiatives. For more information, visit ISRSF website.