Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) continues its commitment to inclusivity and spiritual development through the Pengembangan Spiritualitas Karyawan Muslim (PSKM) program, an initiative aimed at fostering shared values in the workplace. This year’s event took place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Koinonia Auditorium, featuring Prof. H. Ahmad Muttaqin, Ph.D., from Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, Yogyakarta, as the keynote speaker.
In his talk, Prof. Ahmad explored the theme Becoming a Better Version of Yourself Through Fasting, emphasizing that Ramadan is more than a religious tradition—it is an opportunity for self-growth. He highlighted how fasting teaches discipline, integrity, and empathy, all of which are essential for maintaining a strong work ethic. By practicing self-control, individuals cultivate habits that enhance both personal and professional excellence. Fasting also provides a time for reflection and personal transformation, helping individuals develop patience and resilience in navigating challenges. From an Islamic perspective, success in both this life and the hereafter comes from self-awareness and mindful discipline, with fasting serving as a powerful tool for self-improvement.
The event brought together UKDW faculty, administrative staff, and outsourced employees, reinforcing the university’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Although UKDW is a Christian-based institution, it recognizes and supports the spiritual needs of its Muslim employees. Four students from the UKDW Muslim Student Association (KMM) also participated as event greeters and Qur’anic recitation readers, reflecting a spirit of collaboration between students and staff in fostering a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
As part of the event, UKDW, in collaboration with its Campus Spirituality, Counseling, and Pastoral Care Center (LPKKSK), the PTK Duta Wacana Foundation, and the university leadership, distributed 140 Eid care packages. These packages, filled with essential groceries and festive items, were provided to support employees as they prepared for Eid al-Fitr. This initiative underscored UKDW’s commitment to employee well-being, particularly for those in need. The distribution of Eid packages also reflected the university’s emphasis on community, solidarity, and social responsibility.
PSKM at UKDW serves as a testament to the university’s dedication to religious diversity and respect. While UKDW is a Christian-affiliated institution, it actively embraces the spiritual traditions of all employees, ensuring they feel valued and supported. Beyond religious observance, the event strengthened interfaith connections, promoting a workplace culture where people of different backgrounds can engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation. By fostering an inclusive environment, UKDW continues to cultivate a community rooted in respect, understanding, and shared humanity.
The program also reflected UKDW’s institutional values, which emphasize faithfulness to God, integrity, excellence, and service to the community. These values were evident in the spiritual reflections and Qur’anic recitations, the commitment of employees in organizing the event, and the university’s dedication to supporting employees regardless of their religious background.
PSKM at UKDW is more than an annual event; it is a meaningful initiative that fosters ethical leadership, spiritual well-being, and a sense of purpose in the workplace. Through Prof. Ahmad’s inspiring talk and the university’s efforts to support employees during Ramadan, the program left a lasting impact on everyone involved. By continuing similar initiatives, UKDW reinforces the belief that diversity and inclusivity are not just principles but lived experiences that shape campus life and work culture. The event serves as a model for institutions looking to build stronger, more inclusive communities. [LPKKSK.Adham/trans.drr]