Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusivity with the inauguration of six spiritual sanctuaries on its campus.
In addition to the campus mosque and the Mardliyyah Islamic Center, the university’s rector proudly unveiled a spiritual facilities complex—a testament to UGM’s commitment to nurturing a harmonious coexistence.
This complex encompasses two churches for Catholic and Christian practices, a vihara catering to Buddhist worship, a kelenteng for Confucian rituals, and a pura designed for Hindu reverence.
The ceremonial opening of this complex took place on Tuesday (December 19), coinciding with the 74th anniversary celebrations of UGM. This initiative reflects the university’s dedication to fostering an environment where the diverse spiritual needs of its community—comprising faculty, staff, and students—are met.
“Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the character we foster at UGM. Our community is a rich tapestry of heterogeneity, and this must be accommodated, particularly in matters of faith,” affirmed the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, MD.
Situated on Podocarpus Street, adjacent to one of UGM’s student dormitories, this spiritual facility unfolds across a generous 5,994 square meters, incorporating open spaces, a plaza, and parking areas.
Each place of worship within this complex is architecturally tailored to embody the distinctive features of its respective religion. The two churches offer seating for up to 100 worshippers each, while the pura accommodates 50 individuals, and the vihara and kelenteng host around 40 attendees each.
Embarking on its construction journey in 2020 under the leadership of the former rector, Professor Panut Mulyono, the groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 21, 2022, marking the transition to the current rector’s term. The construction officially commenced on January 24, 2023, under the guidance of the present leadership.
“This will be a sanctuary for the UGM community—a sacred space to gather, discuss, and practice worship according to their respective beliefs,” added the rector.
The vihara, kelenteng, and pura concluded their construction on November 19, while the churches and accompanying facilities were completed on December 16. A communal effort, the complex, totaling IDR 25 billion, was funded by public contributions.
Professor Pratikno, the Chair of UGM’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the profound significance of these facilities, underscoring their alignment with UGM’s identity and spirit.
“Thank you for your work. This is an extraordinary source of pride. While GIK (UGM student hub) symbolizes our soaring aspirations, this complex roots us deep within our values. From the moment students enter here, they encounter diversity—a key asset for Indonesia’s future,” Professor Pratikno remarked.
He hoped religious communities at UGM would infuse these spaces with meaningful activities. Moreover, he aspired to witness this pioneering initiative inspiring other educational institutions to follow suit, ensuring that diverse spiritual practices find a welcoming home on campuses nationwide.
“We can promote diversity from UGM. Hopefully, this will inspire other universities, boosting awareness of differences and uniting our youth,” he added.
Author: Gloria
Photographers: Donnie and Firsto