The Interfaith School (Sekolah Lintas Iman/SLI), a collaborative initiative between the Institute for Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia (Institut DIAN/Interfidei), Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW), UIN Sunan Kalijaga, and Universitas Sanata Dharma (USD), has returned with a strong commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and environmental awareness. This year, the program carries the theme “The Role of Young People Across Faiths in Building a Culture and Skills for Waste Management in Yogyakarta that is (Not) Special”. The opening ceremony took place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Smart Room, Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, marking a collective effort to address environmental issues, particularly waste management, through an interfaith approach.
Reflecting on the history of the Interfaith School, Romo (Father) Y.B. Prasetyantha, MSF highlighted its journey since its inception in 2009/2010, when it first explored the theme Philanthropy in Religions. Over the years, the program has evolved to tackle various social concerns, including disability awareness in 2015 and its online implementation from 2020 to 2022 due to the pandemic. The selection of this year’s theme emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative action in solving environmental challenges. By bringing together young people from different faith backgrounds, the program not only facilitates meaningful dialogue but also encourages concrete contributions towards sustainable solutions, promoting inclusivity and environmental responsibility.
To strengthen this initiative, a Cooperation Agreement on the 2025–2029 Interfaith School Consortium was signed by Ir. Yosep Adi Prasetyo (Chairman of Institut DIAN/Interfidei), Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T. (Rector of UKDW), Prof. Noorhaidi, S.Ag., M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. (Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga), and Albertus Bagus Laksana, S.J., S.S., Ph.D. (Rector of USD). Additionally, another agreement was signed by Rev. A. Elga Joan Sarapung (Director of Institut DIAN/Interfidei), Rev. Prof. Robert Setio, Ph.D. (Dean of the Faculty of Theology, UKDW), Dr. Robby Habiba Abror, S.Ag., M.Hum. (Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin, UIN Sunan Kalijaga), and Prof. Dr. C.B. Mulyatno, Pr. (Dean of the Faculty of Theology, USD). These partnerships demonstrate a shared commitment to developing an interfaith, dialogical lifestyle through academic activities, offering students practical experiences in interfaith engagement while preparing future scholars with a pluralistic and multicultural outlook.
With the official signing of these agreements, Interfaith School XVI is now set to become a platform for young people to strengthen their role in promoting environmental awareness in Yogyakarta. Dr.-Ing. Wiyatiningsih, S.T., M.T., Rector of UKDW, emphasized in her speech that the theme of this year’s program is highly relevant to current challenges and plays a crucial role in sustainable development. She stressed that waste management is a shared responsibility and that young people from different religious backgrounds can be key agents in fostering a culture of environmental consciousness. This program is expected to inspire not only discussions but also real actions in addressing waste management issues, reinforcing the idea that faith-based collaboration can contribute significantly to societal and environmental well-being. [Putri/trans.drr]