Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta is participating in the Festival Beda Setara (BEST-FEST) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga, commemorating the 15th anniversary of KH. Abdurrahman Wahid’s (Gus Dur) passing. Organized by the GUSDURian Network and UIN Sunan Kalijaga, the festival runs from November 10 to 16, 2024, under the theme “Championing Equality for Humanity.” Through public discussions, art exhibits, creative workshops, and cultural performances, the festival seeks to promote the values of equality, humanity, and diversity that Gus Dur stood for.
BEST-FEST opened with instrumental music and a multifaith prayer led by young religious leaders, followed by opening remarks from Jay Akhmad, National Coordinator of the GUSDURian Network, who underscored the need for interfaith and intercultural dialogue to foster genuine unity in diversity.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was a poetry reading by university leaders from Yogyakarta. UKDW’s Rector, Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., joined UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, the Rector of Sanata Dharma University, and the Rector of Nahdlatul Ulama University in a tribute to Gus Dur’s dedication to equality, tolerance, and humanity. Each leader conveyed a shared message: the fight for human rights must be upheld by future generations, both within campuses and the wider community.
After the poetry readings, Gus Dur’s daughter, Inaya Wahid, delivered a keynote address, calling on the audience to carry forward her father’s legacy of championing minority rights, pluralism, and human dignity. She urged everyone to embrace and uphold these values as a guiding message for building a more inclusive and compassionate society.
The six-day BEST-FEST 2024 program includes interactive events such as public discussions on equality, cultural literacy workshops, art and photography exhibits, and traditional performances from various regions. These activities aim to deepen public understanding of equality and humanity as core values in everyday life.
BEST-FEST aspires to be a platform for young Indonesians and the wider community to reflect on Gus Dur’s legacy and strengthen their commitment to equality and tolerance in a diverse society. With the theme “Championing Equality for Humanity,” the festival is a reminder that Gus Dur’s vision remains as relevant and vital as ever. [putri]