YOGYAKARTA - A total of 100 experts from various countries discussed the revival of religion in Southeast Asia in the last 15 years. Several experts come from Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Holland, America, and Australia. The experts will discuss in the "International Conference and Research on the Resurgence of Religions in Southeast Asia, 1997-2011" from January 5 to 8 in Yogyakarta.
UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., in his welcoming speech read by the Executive Secretary, Drs. Djoko Moerdiyanto, MA, said that through this conference UGM is able to contribute in the efforts to provide solutions to global issues, including religious conflict. According to Djoko, UGM will continue to provide the best solution independently and in dignity for the world's problems. "UGM remains committed to meet the needs and welfare of the country and the world," said Sudjarwadi in the opening of the conference in Omah Dhuwur, Kotagede, on Tuesday (4/1) night.
He hopes the results of this conference will be able to provide solutions for all global issues. "I would like to invite all participants to collectively map out the problem in order to provide benefits to society and humanity," he said.
Sudjarwadi also expressed appreciation to the organizations supporting this conference, among others, the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS-Yogya), Center for Religious and Cross-Cultural Studies (CRCS) UGM, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (ACMCU) of Georgetown University and the Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs (ICRWA) of Boston University.
In the first day, the participants are given opportunity to express ideas and share experience in climate change campaign. Elshan (27), participant from Azerbaijan, said he was active in an NGO, Green Biker Club. Since three years ago, they have been active in the campaign to preserve the environment by going anywhere on bicycle. In the beginning, Elshan said that the activity was very difficult to do. However, they do many seminars, trainings and socialization. “This movement can influence many people, including governments, to campaign green bike riding,” he said.
Beside Indonesia, the participants are from Thailand, Malaysia, Brunai Darussalam, Vietnam, Singapore, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor Leste, South Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines, Bangladesh, Malawi, France, Ukraine, Suriname, Finland, Palestine, Afghanistan, China, Japan, Romania, Italy, Spain, India, Serbia, Madagascar, Uganda, Gambia, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Samoa, Seychelles, and Yaman.