Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) in Yogyakarta was one of the venues for the 3rd Asian Academy of Campus Ministry (AACM). The event, held in three locations including Yogyakarta, Salatiga, and Bali, officially concluded on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Adham Khrisna Satria, M.A., a staff member of the Campus Ministry at UKDW who also supervised the event, mentioned that it took place from May 1 to May 10, 2024. The 3rd AACM event in Yogyakarta was attended by 35 campus ministry (CM) leaders from 16 universities across 10 Asian countries. “The activities began with the United Board AACM at UKDW, followed by a visit to Universitas Sanata Dharma (USD) in Yogyakarta, then to Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana (UKSW) in Salatiga, and concluded at Universitas Dhyana Pura (UNDHIRA) in Bali,” he stated.
The 3rd AACM event was officially opened by Dr. -Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., the Rector of UKDW, who emphasized that AACM serves as a platform for lecturers and students from various Asian countries to learn from each other, share experiences, and build networks. “On this occasion, we also emphasize the importance of unity in diversity,” she said.
Showcasing the “Mini Indonesia” at UKDW campus, she explained, “Developing a spirit of unity in diversity with religious, ethnic, racial, cultural diversity, and multidisciplinary knowledge as part of the blessings of campuses in Yogyakarta and Indonesia can still coexist and grow to serve and appreciate each other. In other words, fostering a spirit of caring culture in hope and multi-faith friendship is a blessing that needs to be appreciated as a showcase of tolerance in Indonesia.”
The AACM theme, “Creating a Culture of Care,” translated into attitudes, hopes, and friendships in multi-faith, interreligious dialogue, and collaboration, reflecting inclusivity and tolerance promoted among AACM participants. “We want to show the world that despite our differences, we can still live together peacefully and respect each other,” said Rev. Nani Minarni, S.Si., M.Hum, the Head of the Campus Spiritual Services, Counseling, and Spirituality Institute (LPKKSK) at UKDW.
Program Director of the United Board, Rev. Dr. Maher Spurgeon, along with all AACM delegates, expressed gratitude to all parties who supported the event. He also hoped that the event could be a platform to showcase Indonesia’s inclusivity, rich in religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity. “The spirit of friendship, sharing, and hope becomes a true language of tolerance to continue to respect each other among human beings in the realm of spiritual service at each campus,” he added.
AACM is a program sponsored by the United Board aimed at developing leadership skills through training, study visits, and innovative project development. Through partnerships with universities, AACM aims to develop a sustainable network of campus spiritual services throughout Asia. Participants in this event exchanged ideas and learned how to manage services from CM at various campuses in Indonesia, particularly in Yogyakarta, Salatiga, and Bali.
The 3rd AACM event is expected to inspire young people in Asia to foster inclusivity, tolerance, and cooperation. Additionally, organizers hope that participants can bring back the knowledge and experiences they gained at AACM to their respective countries. [humasukdw/Eng.drr]