On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, CSR-CMR held an executive meeting with Muhammad Najib Azca, the acting head of the Research Organization for Social Sciences and Humanities (OR-IPSH) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Representatives from BRIN’s Center for the Research of Religion and Belief (PRAK) also attended the meeting that took place at the LPM meeting room at SWCU. The meeting served as an initial introduction between CSR-CMR and OR-IPSH, while also opening discussions on potential research collaboration between the two institutions in the fields of social sciences and humanities.
The meeting began with an introduction session among participants, highlighting their academic backgrounds, professional experiences, and research interests. Sumanto Al Qurtuby, Chairman of CSR-CMR, introduced the center as a Center of Excellence (CoE), a new initiative at SWCU, emphasizing its development beyond a conventional research center. He explained that CSR-CMR functions not only as a platform for academic inquiry but also as an integrated hub that combines research, publication, and academic partnerships at both national and international levels, with a particular focus on religion, interreligious relations, and Christian-Muslim engagement.
Following this, Muhammad Najib Azca presented an overview of the organization, including its expertise-based structure and seven research centers under his authority. He also outlined the strategic direction of social sciences and humanities research programs, including collaborative research schemes, scientific publications, and the strengthening of research networks at both national and global levels.
During the discussion, both institutions explored several potential areas of collaboration, including visiting researcher programs, postdoctoral programs, and the Degree by Research (DbR) scheme, which enables prospective students (at Master’s and Doctorate levels) to pursue research-based academic pathways with funding support from BRIN. The discussion highlighted the importance of follow-up actions through formal agreements and subsequent meetings to further develop and implement the proposed collaborations.
The meeting was attended by representatives from CSR-CMR and BRIN, as well as some faculty members at SWCU. From CSR-CMR and SWCU, participants included Sumanto Al Qurtuby, Izak Lattu, Petsy Jessy Ismoyo, Gunawan Yuli Agung Suprabowo, Suwarto Adi, Mariska Lauterboom, Linda Susilowati, Agastya Rama Listya, Arthik Davianti, Agus Supratikno, Purwanti Kusumaningtyas, Titi Susilowati Prabawa, Dewi Kartika Sari, and Yesaya Sandang, among others. Furthermore, reps from BRIN included Muhammad Najib Azca, Aji Sofanudin, Joko Tri Haryanto, Mustolehudin, Setyo Boedi Oetomo, and Umi Masfiah.