International humanitarian law does not stop at rules governing conduct in armed conflict. On the ground, its application runs up against humanitarian dilemmas, political interests, differences in belief, and the conditions of communities affected by conflict and disaster.
These issues were among the topics discussed in a certificate course on the law of armed conflict from multireligious perspectives, organized by CDCIA UIN Sunan Kalijaga together with the Faculty of Sharia and Law (FSH) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Held in cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Jakarta, the course ran October 19-22, 2026, in Yogyakarta.
On the final day, Thursday, October 22, 2026, at University Hotel, the panels brought legal perspectives together with the experiences of people directly involved in humanitarian and peace work. One session, titled "From Humanity to Peace: Reflections on Humanitarian and Peace Action from Multireligious Perspectives," featured Prof. Rev. Izak Y. M. Lattu, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Theology at Satya Wacana Christian University; Shadia Marrhabban, an international mediator from Aceh; and Bhikṣuni Thiitacarini, a lecturer at STIAB Smaratungga in Boyolali. The forum was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ali Sodiqin, M.Ag., Dean of FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga.
The discussion did not dwell only on legal texts. The speakers drew on their lived experience and humanitarian work to show how principles of peace are tested in real situations.
One issue that emerged was the paradox between religious teachings and the realities of conflict. Religion teaches respect for life and goodness, yet in certain situations religious interpretation or practice can itself come up against violence.
The experience of communities in Ambon, for example, shows that harmony among religious communities does not arise on its own. It is built through long-standing social relationships and dialogue that is continually nurtured. For this reason, religious dialogue is seen as important for keeping spaces of encounter open and preventing differences in belief from turning into conflict.
The discussion then turned to the influence of social media on contemporary conflict, including when information is used for political ends or when certain voices are silenced. In this context, preventing international conflict cannot be left to a single actor. States, humanitarian organizations, civil society, religious communities, and the public all have a role in keeping space for dialogue open and encouraging respect for humanitarian principles.
Another perspective came in the session "The Landscape and Challenges of Humanitarian Action in Indonesia and Abroad: Perspectives of Faith-Based Humanitarian Actors." It featured Dr. Sari Mutia Timur of the YAKKUM Emergency Unit in Yogyakarta; Hong Tjhin, Secretary General of Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia; and Rahmawati Husein, Adviser to HFI and MDMC. The final forum of the course was moderated by Dr. Saifuddin, S.H.I., M.S.I., Vice Dean III of FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga.
Hong Tjhin stressed three essentials in humanitarian work: competence, communication, and collaboration. In his view, humanitarian work needs people with adequate capacity as well as strong coordination so that aid truly meets community needs.
He also warned against "disaster tourism," when people come to a disaster site merely as spectators without making a real contribution. The more parties get involved in humanitarian work, the more important it becomes to build shared understanding so that coordination does not become a new problem.
Meanwhile, Rahmawati Husein affirmed that humanitarian aid must be given on the basis of humanity, regardless of recipients' religious background. In her view, interfaith cooperation can be a force for building solidarity while broadening public understanding of humanitarian values.
She said the involvement of religious communities is also important for building community preparedness. Disaster management in Indonesia has so far focused largely on response after disasters occur, while prevention and risk reduction need to be strengthened. The potential of zakat and ziswaf (zakat, infak, sedekah, and waqf) can also be developed as a resource to support humanitarian movements.
A shift in approach can also be seen in disaster management practice. Dr. Sari Mutia Timur explained that humanitarian action is now moving from a response-based pattern toward steps that are more anticipatory and preventive. Mitigation not only reduces the impact of disasters but also helps save the resources needed when disasters strike.
Disasters are also becoming more complex. Whereas disasters were once handled as single events, several types of disaster can now occur at the same time and interact. This calls for broader collaboration among government, humanitarian organizations, communities, and religious groups.
Technology has also changed how aid is delivered. Aid once given mostly in person can now be provided through various technology-based mechanisms, including cashless systems. At the same time, women's involvement in humanitarian action is becoming more visible.
Looking ahead, humanitarian work cannot focus only on restoring victims' physical condition. The challenge is helping communities resume their lives, including when they have lost their sources of income because of a disaster.
Through this course, CDCIA and FSH UIN Sunan Kalijaga, together with ICRC Jakarta, brought law, religion, and field experience together in one learning space. This meeting of perspectives shows that understanding international humanitarian law also means understanding the people behind every conflict and crisis.
The forum served as a place to exchange knowledge and also strengthened participants' role in promoting international humanitarian law and humanitarian values in their own settings. (humassk)
