Interfaith Talk with Postgraduate School of UIN Jakarta: Romo Greg Soetomo Brings Together Islamic and Jesuit Communities
Dr. Suwito Auditorium, UIN Online News — Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta hosted a public lecture at the Postgraduate School (SPs) under the theme “Relations Between the Catholic Church and Indonesian Muslims,” delivered by the Society of Jesus Conference of Asia Pacific, Dr. Greg Soetomo, SJ, on Wednesday (19/11/2025).
Dr. Greg Soetomo, SJ, is a Romo of the Society of Jesus and an alumnus of the UIN Jakarta Graduate School, specializing in Islamic Thought Studies. A prolific writer, he has authored numerous essays, academic works, and published articles. His books include Sains dan Problem Ketuhanan (1995), Kekalahan Manusia Petani (1997), Revolusi Damai (1998), Krisis Seni Krisis Kesadaran (2003), and Semangat Lebih Yesuit (2009).
During the session, he also introduced a new book he is currently completing, 100 Tema Relasi Gereja Katolik, which compiles the most frequently asked questions from Indonesian Catholics about Islam, alongside his personal reflections shaped by years of study and interaction with Muslim communities at UIN Jakarta.
He explained that the book is essentially a synthesis of his experience as a Catholic clergyman studying at a state Islamic university.
“Actually, it is still technically a draft. But, I am proud to say that this is 95 percent complete. This book contains roughly 100 topics most commonly raised by Catholics. Well, this is just as much as I can write down,” he shared.
According to him, these questions reflect both the curiosity and the uncertainties many Catholics have regarding Islamic teachings, particularly in relation to interreligious dynamics, social life, and cultural encounters across Indonesia.
He explained that understanding other religions is an essential part of his pastoral service.
“If I serve as a priest in Bali, my calling as a Catholic also requires me to learn Hinduism,” he explained.
Dr. Greg also quoted Pope Francis’ message on building harmony among humans through connection.
“Our Pope said that Catholics should not only focus on building walls; rather, we are meant to build bridges,” he added.
UIN Jakarta, as a leading Islamic university, he noted, plays an important role in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia. His experience as a Catholic student at a state Islamic university illustrates how UIN Jakarta provides an inclusive environment for interfaith engagement.
“After four years studying here with many friends I have known, I have served for His teaching to preserve humanity. Of that I am sure,” he conveyed.
(Nosa Idea L./Zaenal M./Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Muhammad Ilham Furoozan Firdaus)