Center for the Study of Religion and Christian-Muslim Relations (CSR-CMR) at Satya Wacana Christian University (SWCU) and Pusat Riset Agama dan Kepercayaan (PRAK; Center for the Research of Religion and Belief) at Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN; National Research and Innovation Agency) held a joint meeting at Grha Kartini’s preparation room on January 12, 2026.
The meeting was designed to explore the possibility of research collaboration between CSR-CMR and PRAK on issues related to religion and local beliefs (kepercayaan) in Indonesia, such as government policy on these issues, problems of interreligious engagement in local societies, religious freedom, education for followers of local beliefs, etc.
Sumanto Al Qurtuby, Head of CSR-CMR, emphasized the significance and strategic collaboration between his center and PRAK on research related to religion and local beliefs because the two centers have shared similar concerns. He also said that CSR-CMR was projected as a Center of Excellence at SWCU with a focus on the study of three interrelated issues: (1) religion, (2) inter/intra-religious encounters, and (3) Christian-Muslim relations.
Moreover, Joko Tri Haryanto, the head of a research group on local beliefs and religious minorities, explained multiple programs that BRIN and CSR-CMR can collaborate on in the future, not only with his center but also with other centers within BRIN.
At the end of the meeting, the two centers had agreed to collaborate on multiple research projects. The meeting was attended by representatives of the two centers, namely, Joko Tri Haryanto, Mustolehudin, Zakiyah, Setyo Boedi Oetomo, and Umi Masfiah from PRAK and Sumanto Al Qurtuby, Petsy Jessy Ismoyo, Linda Susilowati, Suwarto, Izak Lattu, and Mariska Lauterboom from CSR-CMR.
