Khoirun Nisa Darma

Khoirun Nisa Darma (Anis) is a PhD candidate in the School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture at UNSW Sydney.

Her doctoral research explores the governance of religious diversity in Indonesia through the perspectives of multiculturalism and interculturalism. It focuses on the relationships among government institutions, civil society organisations and religious communities, examining how different governance arrangements influence inclusion, participation and social cohesion in diverse local contexts. Drawing on qualitative and comparative research methods, her study seeks to contribute to the development of a context-sensitive approach to managing religious diversity in Indonesia.

Anis is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta (UIN Jakarta), Indonesia. Her broader research interests include religion and politics, diversity governance, multiculturalism, interculturalism and interfaith relations.

Beyond her academic work, Anis has been involved in several majelis taklim (community-based Islamic study groups) in Tangerang, contributing to women’s learning, participation and empowerment at the grassroots level. Since 2000, she has also served as a facilitator with KBIHU Al-Ikhlash (Hajj Guidance Group) in Tangerang, providing religious guidance and practical preparation for prospective Hajj pilgrims. These experiences have given her sustained engagement with grassroots religious education and community participation.

Anis was also a member of the fourth circle of the 1000 Abrahamic Circles Project, an international interfaith initiative established by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia. As a Muslim woman representative, she participated in interfaith dialogue and community engagement with Jewish and Christian faith leaders. This experience strengthened her interest in the practical dimensions of interfaith relations, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.

Anis holds a Bachelor of Islamic Studies and a Master of Religious Studies (Islam and Politics), both from UIN Jakarta.