UKDW’s Humanities Program and ICRS Host Photography Exhibition and Discussion on Tolerance
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Indonesia is a nation marked by religious, cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. This diversity is a valuable asset that should be preserved and celebrated. To highlight this, the Humanities Study Program at Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta, in collaboration with the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS), held a Photography Exhibition and Discussion titled “Interfaith Through the Lens.” The event took place on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the Rev. Dr. Harun Hadiwijono Seminar Room at UKDW.
In her opening remarks, Dra. Endah Setyowati, M.Si., M.A., a lecturer at UKDW’s Humanities Study Program, explained that photography, especially photojournalism, is a powerful medium for conveying important messages that inspire people and promote religious tolerance and harmony. “Photographs, particularly those featuring interfaith themes, are an easy and effective way to teach harmony. These images do not simply capture religious rituals, but also convey messages about tolerance and peaceful coexistence,” she noted.
The discussion featured two experts: Vania Sharleen Setyono, M.Si.TEOL, a lecturer at UKDW’s Humanities Study Program, and Dr. Leonard Chrysostomos Epafras, a lecturer, researcher, and trainer at ICRS. Vania spoke about how photography can capture a wide range of life’s aspects, including interfaith interactions. While interfaith encounters are often portrayed through religious symbols and rituals, in the theme “Everyday Interreligious Engagement,” these moments are depicted in real-life settings, not staged scenarios. Through the lens of a camera, genuine moments of tolerance can be captured, showing that interfaith harmony is possible in everyday life.
“Photography is an effective tool for portraying the beauty and diversity of religious practices and their role in strengthening interfaith tolerance and understanding. This discussion aimed to explore how religion is represented in photography and how this medium can serve as a bridge to better understand daily interfaith interactions,” she said.
Vania also encouraged students to use their smartphones and social media platforms to promote religious harmony, tolerance, and other positive messages.
Dr. Leonard shared that ICRS had previously organized a photography competition centered around the theme “Everyday Interreligious Engagement.” He explained that photography can be both divisive and unifying, depending on how it is used. While it can sometimes amplify individualistic impulses, it also has the power to document moments of unity and connection in daily life.
“Through this event, we wanted to capture moments of diversity and record the religious harmony that happens naturally in people’s everyday lives. Our goal was to share these authentic experiences with the wider community,” he explained.
The event also featured an interactive photography challenge. Participants were asked to take photos on the theme of diversity within five minutes, using only their smartphones. Two groups won and received prizes. At the end of the event, the best final project was announced from the Religious Education class taught by Vania Sharleen. The winning video showcased a visit and interview at the Gedhe Mosque in Yogyakarta.
“When young people are given the space to be creative and make use of technology, they can produce incredible work. Our role as educators and mentors is to help guide and refine their knowledge,” said Vania, who also served as one of the speakers at the event. [humasukdw/trans.drr]
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