USINDO Forum: Education and the Prevention of Radicalism and Extremism in Indonesia

Jakarta's terrorist attacks in January instilled the Government of Indonesia with a renewed urgency to counter ISIS-related terrorism within its borders. Although Indonesia is a strong example of a diverse, tolerant Muslim-majority democracy, there is clearly more to be done in building an environment among youth that is preventive of terrorism.

Indonesians are working on that issue.  One dimension is taking into account the role that is played by educators and religious leaders, and religious and civil education, in shaping Indonesian youth's beliefs and values.  These include Indonesia's high quality network of religious schools which, in addition to religious instruction, provide education to both boys and girls across a range of disciplines.  What role do Indonesia's educational institutions see for themselves in meeting Indonesia's current challenges?

To give their unique insights on the important role that education plays in combating the spread of radicalism and extremism in Indonesia, USINDO is delighted and honored to present Ms. Fauziah Fauzan, noted Director of the Diniyyah Putri Islamic Boarding school for girls, and Imam Shamsi Ali, influential leader of the Jamaica Community Muslim Center in New York.  Please join us for this USINDO Special Event.

Speakers' Biography:
 
Fauziah Fauzan is the director of Diniyyah Putri, an Islamic Boarding School for girls in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra.  In 2007, she was named Woman of the Year for Indonesian Development and was recognized as one of the Top 50 Leaders of Indonesia in Education in 2013.  In 2015, she received the Indonesian Islamic Boarding School Leader Award.

Imam Shamsi Ali leads the Jamaica Muslim Center, one of the largest Muslim community centers in New York.  He is also the founder and president of Nusantara Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to interfaith dialogue.  In 2006, New York Magazine identified Imam Ali as one of the seven most influential religious leaders in New York City.  In 2009, he was one of 100 recipients to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award.