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Jusuf Kalla’s Mission: Bridging the Divide Through Education

January 17, 2025

Contributor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Achmad Jatnika 


LONDON — H. M. Jusuf Kalla, the former vice president of Indonesia and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Ƶ (Ƶ), is no stranger to navigating complex global challenges. His recent efforts, particularly his participation in the London Thought Retreat for Muslim Minorities, highlight a quiet yet powerful revolution: the transformative potential of education.  

At 81, Kalla remains an enduring figure of diplomacy and progress, balancing his roles as a global statesman and a tireless advocate for education. His work underscores a simple but profound truth: education, he believes, is the antidote to division, inequality, and discrimination.    

At the London retreat, held from January 13-15, Kalla spoke with the steady conviction of someone who has seen change unfold slowly but surely. Addressing the plight of Muslim minorities in developed nations, he pointed to education as the great equalizer.    

“Muslim communities in America and Europe are thriving as professionals—engineers, doctors, academics,” Kalla remarked. “This success is directly tied to access to quality education.”    

Kalla’s message resonated with his audience. With Islamophobia on the rise, he argued, Muslims in the West must continue to excel in education to redefine their narrative. “Negative perceptions of Islam fade when achievements and contributions are evident,” he said, noting the increasing visibility of mosques and prayer spaces as symbols of an enduring Muslim identity.    

His insights also illuminated a subtle shift: Muslim women, particularly in the West, are outpacing men in educational attainment, a development Kalla called “a remarkable sign of progress.”     

A Global Vision at Ƶ    

Back home in Indonesia, Kalla’s influence is equally profound. As Chairman of Ƶ’s Board of Trustees, he has overseen the growth of the institution into a beacon of international Islamic education. Ƶ’s mission—to cultivate intellectual leaders who can tackle pressing global issues—aligns seamlessly with Kalla’s vision.    

The Fight Against Islamophobia    

Kalla’s efforts come at a time when Islamophobia casts a long shadow over global politics. In his view, the answer lies not in rhetoric but in action. “Muslims must demonstrate their contributions through achievements,” he said in London.   

In a world increasingly defined by division, Kalla’s quiet diplomacy and unwavering focus on education offer a rare glimmer of hope. “The challenges are immense,” he acknowledges. “But so are the opportunities.”    

Through his work at Ƶ and beyond, Kalla is not just shaping policy—he is shaping minds, fostering understanding, and building a legacy that extends far beyond borders.