Robert Hefner Delivers Keynote on Public Ethics in Democratic Indonesia at Islamic University
On May 3, 2024, Robert Hefner, Professor of Anthropology and of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Director of the School’s Center for the Study of Asia delivered an invited keynote presentation titled “Mencari Etika Publik Inklusif di Alam Demokrasi” (“In Search of an Inclusive Public Ethics in Democratic Indonesia”) via zoom at the Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Ciputat, Jakarta, Indonesia. The presentation was part of the lecture series “Caknurian Urban Sufism with Komaruddin Hidayat,” which featured commentary by Professor Komaruddin Hidayat and Professor Siti Syamsiatun.
The “Urban Sufism” lecture series is a Muslim spirituality and ethics program organized by the State Islamic University. Professor Komaruddin Hidayat is recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading Muslim thinkers, while Professor Siti Syamsiatun is a well-known Muslim feminist associated with the Aisiyah organization, which is the second-largest Muslim women’s organization in the world.
Professor Hefner’s participation in this event highlights the Pardee School’s commitment to engaging with diverse perspectives and fostering dialogue on important issues related to religion, spirituality, and ethics in the context of democratic societies.
Robert Hefner has directed 19 research projects and organized 18 international conferences, and authored or edited nineteen books. He is the former president of the Association for Asian Studies. At CURA, he directed the program on Islam and civil society since 1991; coordinated interdisciplinary research and public policy programs on religion, pluralism, and world affairs; and is currently involved in two research projects: “The New Western Plurality and Civic Coexistence: Muslims, Catholics, and Secularists in North America and Western Europe”; and “Sharia Transitions: Islamic Law and Ethical Plurality in the Contemporary World.” Read more about Professor Hefner on his faculty profile.