JAKARTA – Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has entered into cooperation with Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, beginning with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The two institutions’ collaboration focuses on Peace Studies and Research, and in practice includes research in areas of shared interest, the exchange of academic materials, the exchange of academics, student mobility, and the holding of seminars, workshops, and other scholarly activities.
The meeting between the Unhas and Hartford International University delegations took place at the Unhas Jakarta Campus, Jl. Petojo Utara, Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Saturday (22 August 2026). The meeting was attended by Sherry L. Turner, Ph.D (President of Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, Prof. Dr. Hafid Abbas (Director of Center for Global Peace and Conflict Resolution), Phoebe Milliken (Director of Master Peacebuilding, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace).
Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc, was accompanied by Prof. Ir. Suharman Hamzah, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. (Eng.), HSE-Cert. (Vice Rector for Partnerships, Internationalization, and Alumni Affairs), Dr. Ir. Syarif Burhanuddin, M.Eng. (Director of Off-Main-Campus Study Programs, Unhas Jakarta, and Dr. Sawedi Muhammad, S.Sos, M.Sc (Director of Communications/Secretariat of the Unhas Rector).
The Unhas Rector stressed the importance of academic collaboration in bringing together diverse perspectives to respond to global challenges, by drawing on local wisdom for peace. At the local level in South Sulawesi, there are several values that can be spread as a philosophical foundation for peace among people.
“In South Sulawesi, we have the values of Sipakatau, Sipakainge, and Sipakalebbi, which teach us to respect one another, remind one another, and uphold human dignity,” said Prof. Jamaluddin Jompa.
These values are relevant to building relationships amid diversity and to widening the space for cross-country collaboration. The cooperation between Unhas and Hartford International University is expected to strengthen the relationship between the two institutions, particularly in developing research and learning.
The President of Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, Sheryl L. Turner, Ph.D., welcomed the collaboration as a space to broaden the exchange of knowledge and academic experience between the two institutions.
“This cooperation opens opportunities for us to exchange ideas, develop research, and broaden shared learning. Collaboration like this also allows us to understand various issues from different perspectives and experiences,” Turner said.
Turner also highlighted Indonesia’s diversity as an important field of study for developing research. Social, cultural, and religious diversity provides a relevant context for studying interaction between groups, dialogue, and various approaches to peacebuilding. (*/aya)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.