The Director General for Buddhist Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Supriyadi, visited the vihara located in the Faith & Spirituality Center of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The visit was warmly welcomed by the University Secretary, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, and the Person in Charge of Confucian and Buddhist Spiritual Affairs at UGM, Dr. Endang Soelistyowati.
The visit followed Supriyadi’s attendance at the opening ceremony of the Buddhist Youth Sports and Arts Festival held at the Among Rogo Sports Arena in Yogyakarta.
Dr. Tonralipu emphasized that the visit by the Director General for Buddhist Affairs marked an important step in strengthening the presence of Buddhist spirituality within the UGM community.
Accompanied by Dr. Soelistyowati and representatives from the UGM Buddhist Student Family (Kamadhis UGM), Supriyadi observed the vihara’s existing facilities, including the discussion room, prayer room, and a Buddha statue.
“UGM provides religious facilities for all faith groups. Religious activities are generally coordinated by student communities,” said Dr. Tonralipu.
Supriyadi expressed his deep appreciation to UGM for providing spiritual facilities for its students.
He also expressed hope that the management of these facilities could be supported by third parties willing to help further develop the vihara.
“I hope students can make good use of this place as a space to gather together,” he said.
He advised UGM’s Buddhist students to continue upholding the traditions of the Buddhist faith.
He also reminded them to abide by the rules in the vihara so that the facility may remain well-maintained and usable.
“This is a government-provided facility managed by UGM. Please follow the existing regulations. Do not introduce matters that could disrupt the spirit of unity here,” concluded Supriyadi.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto