Interfaith dialogue is a meeting (or series) of qualified members of different faiths in a formal setting to discuss religious opinions and practices they have in common, usually with the intention of expanding their common ground. Interfaith dialogue refers to cooperative, constructive and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions and/or spiritual or humanistic beliefs, at both the individual and institutional levels. It is distinct from syncretism or alternative religion, in that dialogue often involves promoting understanding between different religions to increase acceptance of others, rather than to synthesize new beliefs. Throughout the world there are local, regional, national and international interfaith initiatives; many are formally or informally linked and constitute larger networks or federations.
Religion has become one of the new types of what is called “intermestic” international and domestic) policy issue in international relations. The often quoted "There will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions. There will be no peace among the religions without dialogue among the religions" was formulated by Dr Hans Küng, a Professor of Ecumenical Theology and President of the Foundation for a Global Ethic.
Indonesian government, particularly through the Department of Foreign Affairs, has engaged with interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue activities in Indonesian public diplomacy still new and positive development in Indonesian diplomacy because it recognizes the role of religious communities in the foreign policy making process and have potential as Indonesian soft power. Indonesia has been practicing interfaith dialogue longer than any other country in Asia, or even in the world. This kind of dialogue has been institutionalized since the 1960s and strongly promoted by the government, practiced in society and developed by academics.
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