UNAIR NEWS – 51¶¯Âþ () has collaborated with Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry (Kemenag RI) to hold a Religious Moderation Seminar. The keynote speaker was Dr. (HC) KH Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs from 2014-2019. The seminar took place on Wednesday, April 4, 2024 in the Ternate Room at the ASEEC Tower Building, Dharmawangsa-B Campus UNAIR.
The theme was ‘Strengthening Religious Moderation for the Academic Community in Higher Education.’ The event began with a report from Prof. Dr. M Arskal Salim GP M Ag, who serves as Secretary of R&D and Education Division of the Religious Affairs Ministry.
During his speech, he hoped the seminar, a collaboration between UNAIR and the Indonesian Religious Ministry (Kemenag RI), would promote a better understanding of religious moderation. ‘This cooperation is expected to provide the academic community with a better understanding of religious moderation,’ he explained.
Practicing religion with fairness
In his speech, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih SE MT Ak emphasized that every religion should prioritize justice as a means to achieve noble purpose. He stated, “We must make religion a medium to achieve glorious goals, and the key is to promote justice because everyone has rights.”
As a believer, it is important to treat everyone fairly, regardless of their background or religion. Prof. Nasih added, “We must act fairly with anyone, including our friends, siblings, family, and even those who have different religions from us.”
Campus important role
In line with the UNAIR Rector’s statement, the Head of of R&D and Education Division of the Religious Affairs Ministry, Prof. Dr. Suyitno M Ag, emphasized that the campus is a place of religious diversity and cannot be indoctrinated. He stated, ‘We must provide a discussion space related to religious moderation.’
Prof. Suyitno explained that the campus has the main role in the process of religious moderation and universalism by humanizing people. “In our opinion, the most essential aspect of religious moderation and universalism is humanizing people, and the campus plays a significant role,” he explained.
Author: Mohammad Adif Albarado
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati (RF/AP)
