The Faculty of Islamic Religion announced plans for an international research collaboration with the Faculty of Education, Yala Rajabhat University, Thailand. This collaboration is aimed at exploring and developing innovative approaches in Islamic religious education and intercultural learning in the Southeast Asia region.
According to the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Religion, Darul ‘Ulum Islamic University, Dr. Sauqi Futaqi, M.Pd.I, this collaboration is a strategic step in broadening insight and understanding regarding contextual and inclusive religious education. “We believe that the synergy between these two institutions will make a significant contribution to the development of learning methods that are relevant and adaptive to current social and cultural dynamics,” he said.
This research plan will focus on several main topics, including: Development of an Islamic Religious Education Curriculum, which aims to map the needs and challenges in delivering religious education material in schools in Southeast Asia. Intercultural Teaching Methods: Study effective methods for teaching religious values in a multicultural and global context. The Influence of Religious Education on Social Integration: Exploring how religious education can play a role in promoting social harmony and intercultural tolerance. This collaboration will involve a series of activities, ranging from international seminars, workshops, to field research in both countries. Apart from that, the faculties involved will also exchange knowledge and experience through internship programs and comparative studies.
Yala Rajabhat University, welcomed this collaboration and stated, “We are very enthusiastic about collaborating with the Faculty of Islamic Religion. We believe that through this collaboration, we can enrich the perspective and practice of religious education, and have a broader positive impact in our community.”
It is hoped that this research project will provide recommendations and innovations that can be implemented in the education systems of both countries, as well as strengthen academic and cultural relations between Indonesia and Thailand.