UKDW Theology Lecturer Appointed to NICMCR Steering Committee, Expanding International Partnerships
Universitas kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) has strengthened its international engagement with the appointment of Rev. August Corneles Tamawiwy, M.Th., a lecturer in the Faculty of Theology, as a Steering Committee Representative of the Netherlands–Indonesia Consortium for Muslim-Christian Relations (NICMCR).
The appointment was officially announced during the NICMCR Annual Meeting held at UIN Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, on June 3–4, 2026. Rev. Tamawiwy succeeds Rev. Prof. Robert Setio, Ph.D., Dean of UKDW’s Faculty of Theology, who is one of the consortium’s co-founders and has represented the university since its establishment in 2010.
NICMCR is an international consortium established by UKDW in collaboration with Kerk in Actie of the Netherlands to promote Muslim-Christian dialogue and cooperation in Indonesia and the Netherlands. Through collaborative research, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives, the consortium brings together universities, religious organizations, and civil society groups to address social challenges, including religious polarization.
As a Steering Committee Representative, Rev. Tamawiwy will help shape the consortium’s strategic direction, strengthen collaboration among member institutions, and advance interfaith dialogue initiatives that remain at the heart of NICMCR’s mission.
This year’s annual meeting highlighted the global environmental crisis as a shared challenge requiring an interfaith response. Academics and religious leaders from Indonesia and the Netherlands discussed how faith communities can contribute to addressing increasingly urgent ecological challenges.
Rev. Tamawiwy described the appointment as both an honor and a responsibility to continue the work established by his predecessors.
“I fully recognize the tremendous contributions that Prof. Robert has made over the years. He has been not only UKDW’s representative but also one of the consortium’s founders since 2010. When I was asked to take on this role, I even sought clarification because I will be the youngest member of the Steering Committee within the consortium,” he said.
Rev. Tamawiwy has been actively involved with NICMCR for several years. He has participated in various consortium initiatives, including serving as chair of the local organizing committee for the 8th Interfaith Dialogue Conference. These experiences position him well to continue UKDW’s leadership role within the consortium.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to carrying forward the vision and spirit established by the consortium’s founders.
The appointment of a UKDW theology lecturer to the NICMCR Steering Committee reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and interfaith dialogue. Through its active participation in the consortium, UKDW continues to advance research, education, and international collaboration aimed at addressing global challenges.
By mpk | Ed. (ENG): drr
