Endorsing Harmonious Diversity on the 80th Independence Day: Rector of UIN Jakarta Talks with Six Religious Leaders
Diorama Room, UIN Online News — To commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, the Directorate of Islamic Higher Education of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, in collaboration with UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, hosted a National Dialogue and Pancacinta, along with a Clean Worship Houses Initiative, on Saturday (August 16, 2025) in the Diorama room at the UIN Jakarta Campus.
Representatives from interfaith universities attended the gathering, which culminated in the recitation of the National Declaration, also known as the Ciputat Declaration for Indonesian harmony. Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., the Rector of UIN Jakarta, presided over the proclamation reading with six religious leaders:
- Director of Islamic Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Phil. Sahiron, M.A., representing Muslims
- Chairman of the Indonesian Supreme Council of Confucianism (Matakin), Xs. Ir. Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo, M.M., representing Confucians
- Chairman of the Sriwijaya State Buddhist College in Tangerang, Banten, Dr. Li. Edi Ramawijaya Putra, M.Pd., representing Buddhists
- Chairman of the Dharma Nusantara Hindu College in Jakarta, Dr. Ni Gusti Ayu Ketut Kurniasari, S.IP., M.Si., representing Hindus
- Chairman of the Katwuri Baptist Theological College (STTBK), Dr. Gandi Wibowo, M.Th., representing Christians
- Chairman of the Catholic College of Philosophy (STF), Dr. Simon Petrus Lili Tjahjadi, representing Catholics.
"UIN Jakarta will persist as an inclusive and inviting institution of knowledge for everyone, serving as a paradigm in fostering diversity for the purpose of national unity, maintaining national values, and promoting interfaith harmony," he stated.
The event was then followed by the reading of the Ciputat Declaration as an embodiment of the collective pledge.
It upholds the sanctity and conservation of places of worship as embodiments of ecotheology and fosters religious harmony alongside environmental stewardship.
Assertively, it is a sacred obligation and an expression of love for others, including environmental protection, which equates to the preservation of life and national sustainability.
Additionally, the Ciputat Declaration also symbolizes joint commitment to conserving variety, enhancing togetherness, and fostering a peaceful, harmonious, sustainable, and loving future for all mankind in Indonesia.
The event was attended by several UIN Jakarta academics: Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmad Tholabi, S.Ag., S.H., M.H., M.A.; Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D.; Professor of Religious Sociology and Head of the Center for Religious Moderation at UIN Jakarta Prof. Arif Zamhari, M.A., Ph.D., as moderator; along with Deans, faculty members, and the academic community of UIN Jakarta.
Guests from interfaith colleges near Jakarta, who were present to enliven this commemoration, strongly supported the establishment of this national statement.
(Kareena Auliya J./ Zaenal M./ Fauziah M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Aqilah Qurratulaini)