UNS — The Top Management of Universitas Brawijaya (UB) visited Benteng Pancasila (Pancasila Vanguard) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta on Tuesday (5/10/2021). The visit involved the Vice-Rector for Management and Finance UB, Prof. Gugus Irianto, accompanied by Prof. Bandi as Vice-Rector for Management and Human Resources Affairs UNS.
Benteng Pancasila UNS is a complex place of worship for six religions in Indonesia. UNS has Mosque, Pura (Hindu Temple), Vihara (Buddhist Temple), Kelenteng (Confucian Temple), Catholic Church, and Christian Church. The Vice-Rector of UB was also accompanied by Vice-Dean 2 of 10 faculties in UB. Prof. Gugus was amazed by UNS efforts to implement Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
“This is impressive because it could become a home for students from six different religions in Indonesia,” Prof. Gugus stated.
Prof. Bandi also introduced the house of worship and stated that places of worship already existed when UNS was established. “But they weren’t six. Then in 2019, we built one place of worship, Confucian Temple for Confucian people,” Prof. Bandi explained.
The six places of worship in the uNS main campus become the symbol of unity and harmony of UNS academic members. Even though they are located closely, but they could live together. UNS also has a forum that facilitates all six religions. The managers of all places of worship welcomed the visit and explained the activities in their respective places of worship. “Before corona, We performed meditation every Wednesday here,” the Buddhist Temple manager explained.
Dewa Putu Adhi Nugraha Anom, a manager of Pura Saraswati UNS, stated that before the pandemic, the prayer was conducted every Sunday morning. “Because of the pandemic, the prayer is withheld,” Dewa said.
Prof. Gugus also mentioned that this effort could be used as an example for other universities. “Hopefully, it could inspire other campuses,” he said. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti