For decades, Prof. Dr. Hj. Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, M.A. has been at the forefront of Islamic scholarship, human rights advocacy, and global diplomacy. Now, she takes on a new role: Indonesia’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
On Monday, March 24, 2025, inside the grand halls of the State Palace, she stood among 30 newly appointed ambassadors, as President Prabowo Subianto administered their oaths. The appointment is not just another milestone in her distinguished career—it is a statement of Indonesia’s commitment to intellectual diplomacy and human rights on the global stage.
Born and raised in Indonesia, Prof. Siti Ruhaini carved a name for herself in academia and activism long before stepping into diplomacy. A professor at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta’s Faculty of Sharia and Law, she is widely recognized for her contributions to Islamic thought, democracy, and gender equality.
Her influence extends beyond university walls. She co-founded Rifka Annisa Women’s Crisis Center, an institution that has played a pivotal role in gender advocacy and women’s rights in Indonesia. She has also held key academic positions, including Director of UIN’s Center for Women’s Studies and Supervisory Board Member of UII’s Human Rights Study Center, where she spearheaded groundbreaking research on Islam, justice, and minority rights.
Prof. Siti Ruhaini’s diplomatic credentials are nothing short of extraordinary. She served two consecutive terms (2012–2018) as Chairperson of the OIC’s Human Rights Commission, an institution tasked with navigating the delicate intersection of Islamic governance and human rights across 57 member states.
Her expertise caught the attention of President Joko Widodo, who appointed her as Special Staff for International Affairs and Religious Issues (2018–2019) and later as Senior Expert at the Presidential Staff Office (2020–2024). In these roles, she shaped policies on interfaith dialogue, global human rights, and Indonesia’s soft power strategy.
Her academic journey reflects a relentless pursuit of knowledge and impact. She earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from Gadjah Mada University (2011), completed her Master’s at Monash University, Australia, and engaged in Islam and Human Rights studies at Emory University, USA. She also trained in conflict resolution in Northern Ireland, adding a global dimension to her expertise in peacebuilding.
Her new posting in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan is both symbolic and strategic. As a scholar of Islamic civilization, she is uniquely positioned to deepen Indonesia’s diplomatic ties with Central Asia, a region rich in Islamic heritage and growing geopolitical significance.
“This is more than an ambassadorial appointment,” said Prof. Noorhaidi, Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. “It is a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to intellectual diplomacy. Prof. Siti Ruhaini is not just a representative—she is a bridge between nations, ideas, and cultures.”
As Prof. Siti Ruhaini steps into this new diplomatic arena, she carries with her decades of experience in policy-making, advocacy, and academic leadership. Her career is a masterclass in how intellect and activism can drive real-world change.
For Indonesia, her appointment signals a growing emphasis on scholar-diplomats—figures who not only represent the nation but also bring intellectual depth to international relations.
For the world, it is a reminder that diplomacy is no longer just about political maneuvering. Sometimes, it is about ideas, justice, and the pursuit of a more inclusive global order.