Indonesia’s pioneering role in global ethics and balance
Founder and Honorary President Christoph Stückelberger, representing Globethics, has recently concluded a whirlwind visit to Indonesia, marked by an intensive week-long schedule of keynotes, lectures, seminars, and workshops. Speaking at prominent institutions and engaging with diverse communities, Stückelberger's visit underscored Indonesia’s strong interest in global ethics and its potential role in fostering "Globalance"—a concept promoting balanced, inclusive, and ethical approaches to global challenges.
During his visit, Stückelberger addressed audiences at five faculties across three Islamic universities in Yogyakarta: Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, (UIN, UNU, UNISA), two Christian universities in Yogyakarta and Salatiga (UKDW and UKSW), and Indonesia’s oldest and largest state university, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). His engagements explored a broad spectrum of critical topics, including his book Globalance Towards a New World Order, corruption-free religions, responsible leadership, bioethics, inclusive education in AI ethics, and the ethics of dialogue and compromise.
A particularly memorable moment of the visit involved a meeting with farmers in the remote mountain village of Ngaduman, where Stückelberger listened to the challenges faced by local communities and learned about their values.
“What stands out about Indonesia,” Stückelberger observed, “is the deeply rooted culture of harmony, balance, and moderation. The peaceful coexistence between the Muslim majority and Christian minority reflects the enduring relevance of Indonesia’s national values, embodied in Pancasila.”
Globethics’ growing footprint in Southeast Asia
Stückelberger emphasised Globethics’ strong presence and long-standing collaboration with Indonesian institutions, noting the dynamic engagement of students, educators, and researchers in promoting ethical leadership and interfaith dialogue. He highlighted significant progress in areas such as gender balance and women’s leadership in academia, describing Indonesia as a model for other Islamic nations.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Globethics and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana. “The cooperation between Globethics and Indonesian partners is not only constructive but also incredibly fruitful,” Stückelberger said. “This collaboration reflects a generation of dedicated Indonesians who embody openness, competence, and friendliness in their pursuit of academic excellence and ethical leadership.”
Indonesia’s role as a global bridge-builder
Stückelberger also pointed to Indonesia’s strategic geopolitical importance and its legacy as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement. He emphasised the country’s potential to act as a "bridge-maker" in today’s polarised world, fostering dialogue between East and West and contributing to a more balanced and inclusive global order.
With a population of over 280 million and remarkable economic growth in recent decades, Indonesia has positioned itself as a key player in the global arena. Stückelberger expressed optimism about the country’s ability to lead efforts toward Globalance, drawing on its rich tradition of harmony and its growing influence in ethical and academic discourse.
This successful visit reinforced Globethics’ mission of fostering global ethical collaboration and demonstrated Indonesia’s vibrant commitment to these shared values.
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