On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta welcomed a delegation from FKUB Kota Medan for a comparative study visit. The event, held in the Rev. Dr. Harun Hadiwijono Seminar Room, aimed to facilitate discussions on programs promoting religious harmony within the UKDW campus and initiatives from FKUB Medan.
UKDW’s Vice-Rector for Human Resource Development, Promotion, and Networking, Rev. Dr. Wahju Satria Wibowo, expressed his honor at hosting the visit. He noted that UKDW, which originated as STT Duta Wacana, has long emphasized interfaith dialogue in Yogyakarta. “Thirty-five years ago, we established the Center for the Study of Religions to organize activities related to religious moderation. One of our key programs is the Intensive Study of Christianity and Islam (SITKI). Additionally, UKDW collaborates with Gadjah Mada University and UIN Sunan Kalijaga in the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS),” he explained.
Rev. Dr. Handi Hadiwitanto, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Head of the Master of Theology Program at UKDW’s Faculty of Theology, highlighted their interfaith studies course. This course places students in mixed-religion groups and collaborates with Sanata Dharma University and UIN Sunan Kalijaga. “Interfaith studies aim to deepen understanding of theological elements, fostering both moderation and religious literacy,” he stated.
Rev. Nani Minarni, Head of Campus Ministry (LPKKSK) at UKDW, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to preserving Indonesia’s diversity. “We offer an ecumenical spirituality program that includes the Taize community. Currently, one of our students is learning firsthand with the Taize Community in France. We also address the spiritual needs of students through the Student Spiritual Unit and cater to the spiritual needs of our Muslim employees. Our campus aims to be a comfortable home for everyone,” she explained. [mpk/trans.drr]