In an era marked by intensifying fanaticism, political polarization, and declining trust in global institutions, the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICCS) 2025 emerged as a timely call for unity, dialogue, and resilience. Held from June 24 to 26 at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), the conference brought together over 1,200 participants from more than 50 countries, including religious leaders, policymakers, academics, and civil society actors. Themed "Cohesive Societies, Resilient Futures," ICCS 2025 also marked Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence.

The conference opened with a powerful address from Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who underscored that social cohesion is no longer a multicultural slogan, but a strategic necessity for humanity.

Indonesia made a strong impression, with dozens of speakers and delegates presenting perspectives rooted in faith, history, and lived multiculturalism. Among the most notable were Prof. Dr. Nasaruddin Umar, Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque and Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, and Prof. Dr. Noorhaidi Hasan, Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta.

Religion as Moral Diplomacy: A Voice from Indonesia

In his keynote, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar delivered a stirring message on the transformative potential of religious language. “Religion can be a torch or a flame,” he said. “It depends on how we choose to wield it.”

He positioned Pancasila, Indonesia’s state ideology, as a rational and inclusive model for the world—a product of national consensus that has successfully upheld the country’s diversity, from Sabang to Merauke, from the Qur'an to Dayak traditions. “Unity in diversity is not a slogan,” he declared, “It is the DNA of our nation.”

Prof. Nasaruddin introduced the concept of religious diplomacy—a response to the limitations of traditional diplomacy often driven by political interests. As a spiritual alternative, he highlighted the Istiqlal Declaration of 2024, which offers a faith-based framework to confront global crises such as climate change and dehumanization.

This vision is not merely rhetorical. At Istiqlal Mosque, interfaith engagement is manifest through a “friendship tunnel” physically connecting the mosque with the Jakarta Cathedral, a shared parking space, and frequent interreligious activities that promote fraternity over mere tolerance.

He also issued a theological challenge: “To change culture, we must change how we think. And to change how we think, we must change theology.” Calling for a shift from rigid, masculine theology toward a feminine, compassionate, and inclusive theological framework, Prof. Nasaruddin urged faith communities to adopt eco-theology—a spiritual and ethical approach that links reverence for God with love for humanity and the environment.

Historical Islam and Southeast Asia’s Inclusive Future

In a complementary address, Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan examined Islam’s historical role in Southeast Asia’s cohesive societies. He traced the peaceful spread of Islam through trade, Sufi proselytization, and cultural accommodation from the 12th century onward, citing centers like Aceh, Malacca, and Ternate as early models of inclusive Islamic governance and education.

Islamic influence expanded significantly in the 15th and 16th centuries with the rise of Islamic sultanates across the Malay archipelago and southern Philippines. The colonial era disrupted this trajectory but also sparked Islamic reform movements that fused religious identity with Indonesian nationalism—led by organizations like Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah.

Post-independence, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have continuously negotiated the tension between pluralism and identity politics. Prof. Noorhaidi emphasized the relevance of religious harmony as a pillar of social justice and inclusive development in a time of globalization, populism, and inequality.

He highlighted Indonesia’s inclusive model, citing initiatives such as Religious Moderation, Wahid Foundation’s Peace Villages, youth-led interfaith campaigns, the eco-theology movement, and the Curriculum of Love launched by Minister Nasaruddin.

“Indonesia’s blend of state policy, grassroots activism, and moral leadership offers Southeast Asia a viable path forward,” he stated. He called upon the region to embrace diversity as a source of strength and to construct cohesive societies based on shared values, solidarity, and justice.

A Story Worth Hearing

At ICCS 2025, Indonesia was not a passive observer. It came to the global table with a rich ideological legacy, lived pluralism, and faith-based solutions for modern crises. While the world continues to struggle with division and distrust, Indonesia offered a compelling narrative—one of coexistence, compassion, and courage.

And for three days in Singapore, that story was finally heard.