SPs Building, UIN News-Musim itellectual and former Rector of UIN Jakarta for two periods (1998-2002, 2002-2006) and now Director of the Post Graduate Studies, Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra, was awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE Award) by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Azyumardi Azra was given CBE Award by the British Ambassador to Indonesia Martin Hatfull at the official residence of the British Ambassador in Jl Teuku Umar No.72 Jakarta some time ago. A number of Indonesian government officials and interfaith leaders attended this event.

The award was given to Azra since he is considered to be meritorious and provide an important contribution in building good relations between religions at the international level, especially between Indonesia and Britain. This is especially felt when he became chairman of the UK-Indonesia Islamic-Advisory Council which was formed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Tony Blair in March 2006. This advisory board is active in organizing various programs, both in the UK and Indonesia in order to strengthen and empower the good peaceful relations among the Muslims themselves and with people of other religions.

"CBE Award certainly does not only give a great honor for me, but also for UIN Jakarta and the Indonesian Muslims who always strive to develop washatiyyah Islam, who are peaceful and tolerant, so it can become a model at the global level." Azra said to UINNEWS before receiving the award in his office.

According to Martin, Azra was viewed to be dedicated in promoting inter-religious understanding for years. Martin said "The British government realized that the task is very essential in fostering better relations between the great religions of the world."

Azyumardi Azra is the first Indonesian who receives this prestigious award and the first person who is not from the Commonwealth countries and territories. Other recipients in CBA Award 2010 are Dan Sten Olsson (UK) in economic field, Giuseppe Orsi in the field of industry and defense, and Prof. Dr. Jurgen Karl Erich Schlaeger (Germany) in the field of Anglo-German relations.

The United Kingdom since 1917 has actively given awards to civilians and military, in particular to the UK and Commonwealth countries, who have given their contributions in various fields. The acknowledgement began during the time when George Frederick Albert Emest was the fifth King of England (George V). The form of recognition is divided into five classes or levels of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE), Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE), Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). (elve/ sheli)