THE CHALLENGE:

In his Cairo speech in June 2009, President Obama expressed the need to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Indonesia is the largest Muslim majority country in the world. Today we have a unique opportunity to create a deeper, more strategic partnership with Indonesia. Concerted diplomatic, development and public outreach efforts are fully underway to engage Indonesia’s large Muslim population. While significant progress has been made, we believe more can be done.

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM:

USAID remains engaged with local leaders and organizations to support their efforts in promoting messages consistent with local cultural and religious values in this country, where 86% are Muslims. For example, our work with Indonesia’s second largest Muslim organization, Muhammadiya, has resulted in new civic education curricula and textbooks to more than 260 Islamic Universities, and potentially 2.5 million students, in the country. As a by-product, Muhammadiya is reaching out with HIV/AIDS education to local leaders which will provide communities with the tools needed to raise awareness. We will continue to employ innovative ways to involve Indonesian stakeholders in the implementation of the President’s engagement agenda. Discussions are underway between USAID and the Indonesian government to develop a bilateral interfaith dialogue as a component of the Comprehensive Partnership. We are also establishing a “Muslim Engagement Working Group” to improve inter-agency cooperation in implementing long-term sustainable approaches to our cooperation.

THE GOALS:

• Build collaborative networks across faith communities and partnerships between faith communities, local government and civil society.
• Facilitate open discussion to generate creative policy and technical solutions to longstanding economic, social, and religious challenges
• Mobilize collective action on key practical issues where faith communities can provide meaningful service
• Increase U.S partnerships with civil society and faith-based communities in areas of mutual interest