Ambassador Marciel hosts reception for young Indonesian leaders going to America

January 13. 2012

Ambassador Marciel hosts reception for young Indonesian leaders going to America

Jakarta – On Thursday, January 12, Ambassador Marciel hosted a reception in honor of 14 Indonesian university students who have been invited to join the 2012 Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Religious Pluralism.  These students departed Indonesia last night for the SUSI program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; they will be joined by an additional six Indonesian students who are traveling from Surabaya.  This exchange program focuses on sending undergraduate students from different parts of Indonesia to learn more about religious pluralism in the United States.  The 5-week-program is being hosted by Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from January 12 to February 19.  The U.S. Department of State sponsors the program and covers all participant program costs.
 
During the SUSI program, participants will learn about early religious traditions, the separation of church and state, the introduction of new religions, the protection and representation of minority groups and religions, and interfaith dialogue in a diverse and rapidly changing world.  The program also aims to simultaneously enhance the students’ leadership skills.  Finally, the students will examine the leadership roles religious officials play in the United States and develop ideas for how they may work with leaders of similar or diverse faiths to bring about positive social change.
 
The program consists of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures.  It includes an academic residency component of approximately four weeks at Temple University and will include a closing program in Washington, D.C.  Educational travel to Miami, Florida, and New York, New York, in addition to local site visits and volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia, will complement coursework and classroom activities.
 
Indonesia as one of the most diverse countries in the world.  Exchange programs, such as the SUSI program, constitute the “people to people” ties central to promoting the U.S.–Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership.