Alwi Shihab studies the interactions of Christian and Muslim communities, and is dedicated to working towards their peaceful and harmonious co-existence. His entrance into politics began when he accepted the fourth president Abdurrahman Wahid's offer to co-found the National Awakening Party (PKB). He served under SBY as Co-ordinating Minister for People's Welfare (2004-2005) and as Foreign Minister of Indonesia (1999-2001).

Shihab’s work as a minister proved that he had a formidable network and the deep knowledge necessary to bridge Indonesia and the Middle East in diplomatic areas. Thus, he currently serves as the Indonesian President's special envoy to the Middle East and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Shihab has earned two doctorate degrees, from the University of Ain Shams in Cairo and Temple University in the United States. He has also held teaching positions at Hartford Seminary, Harvard University's Divinity School, Kadiri Islamic University and the University of Indonesia, to name a few. He has published a number of books and has always tried to present Islam as an inclusive religion.