Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is constructing a complex of prayer and worship places for five religions within 4,789 square meters.
These five religions include Catholicism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The construction of this complex is targeted to be completed by mid-December.
“The construction has currently reached 46 percent,” said Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sudjito, during a visit to the UGM Center for Faith and Spirituality construction site located in the Sekip Housing Complex Block N, Yogyakarta, on Thursday (17/8).
Also present on the visiting team were Vice-Rector for Education and Learning, Professor Wening Udasmoro; Chair of the Academic Senate, Professor Sulistiowati; and Chair of Commission 1 of the Academic Senate, Professor Regina Tandelilin.
Dr. Arie Sudjito explained that the team visit to the site was to ensure that the construction could be completed on time and inaugurated before UGM’s anniversary celebration.
“We are optimistic that it will be finished in December,” he said.
The faith and spirituality complex, according to Dr. Sudjito, can serve as a learning place for students and allows them to practice the values of harmony and tolerance stemming from Indonesia’s religious diversity.
“We believe that this center can serve as a learning place for students, connecting academic practices such as education and teaching with spiritual practices,” he said.
Professor Wening Udasmoro stated that this center further solidifies UGM’s position as an inclusive campus.
“We want inclusivity in education and teaching to be realized, and this faith and spirituality complex can become a learning space and a place where students can practice the values of tolerance and solidarity,” Professor Udasmoro said.
Chair of the Academic Senate, Professor Sulistiowati, appreciated and welcomed this faith and spirituality center complex for students as an embodiment of one of UGM’s identities as a Pancasila university, wherein there is recognition of diversity in religious practices.
“This place can unite the entire academic community of various religions to uphold diversity. We strongly support this center,” Professor Sulistiowati said.
Chair of Commission 1 of the UGM Academic Senate, Professor Regina Tandelilin, mentioned that the area of this complex is approximately 4,789 square meters, divided into five prayer and worship spaces, with each building having an area of about 300 square meters that can accommodate around 250-300 people at once.
“In addition to students, these prayer and worship spaces are also intended for faculty and non-teaching staff,” Professor Tandelilin said.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto