On Nov. 4, The Lecture Series by Asian Opinion Leaders
"Challenges and Future Perspectives of Islam: Views from Indonesia"

　The Sasakawa Peace Foundation has been implementing the project entitled "Asian Opinion Leaders' Exchange" since the fiscal year 2014. The objective of this project is to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen collaboration between Japan and Asian countries through inviting Asian opinion leaders to Japan and engaging them in dialogue with Japanese policy makers, scholars and business leaders.

　On November 4 2015, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation will organize a public seminar by inviting Dr. Din Syamsuddin known as one of the prominent leaders of Islam in Indonesia. He served for many years as the chairman of Islamic organization, Muhammadiyah, and is currently chairman of the advisory committee of the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI).

　Indonesia, the world largest Muslim populated country, provides for freedom of belief and religion by its constitution and allows multiple religions. There is, however, a mounting concern in recent years that extreme and radical Muslim influences, Islamic State (IS) may pervade in Indonesia.

　It is vital to understand Islam, a dominating religion of Indonesia in order to understand political, economic, and social issues in the country. Dr. Din Syamsuddin, a world Muslim leader will address the challenges and future perspectives of Islam that Indonesia faces today. We look forward to welcoming all of you at this seminar.