Dharma Nusantara Jakarta College of Hindu Religion (STAH Dharma Nusantara Jakarta) officially launched its Master’s Program in Hindu Religious Education on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Wantilan Graha Sabha of Pura Adhitya Jaya Rawamangun, East Jakarta. The establishment of the graduate program marks an effort to expand access to higher education for Hindus while preparing human resources with strong academic competencies, religious insight, and the ability to adapt to global developments.

The launch of the Master’s Degree Program in Hindu Religious Education was held under the theme, “Cultural and Technological Acculturation in Hindu Education to Foster a Globally Competitive Generation.” The theme underscores STAH Dharma Nusantara Jakarta’s commitment to providing Hindu education that integrates cultural values, advances in knowledge, and technological development.

The inauguration was attended by Director General of Hindu Community Guidance Prof. I Nengah Duija, Special Advisor to the Minister of Religious Affairs Gugun Gumilang, Chairperson of STAH Dharma Nusantara Jakarta Dr. Ni Gusti Ayu Ketut Kurniasari, Supervisor of the STAH Dharma Nusantara Foundation Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Sang Nyoman Suwisma, as well as members of the academic community and other stakeholders in Hindu education.

Director General of Hindu Community Guidance Prof. I Nengah Duija said that the establishment of the Master’s Program in Hindu Religious Education was part of efforts to strengthen the ecosystem of Hindu higher education in Indonesia.

He stated that the program would provide broader opportunities for Hindus to pursue postgraduate education while serving as an investment in the development of human resources with strong academic capabilities, leadership skills, and religious understanding.

“This master’s program must produce intellectuals, researchers, and practitioners capable of transforming Hindu values across various aspects of life. Hindu Religious Education should not be understood merely as a field that prepares teachers, but also as an academic discipline that can contribute to addressing social, cultural, and national issues,” Prof. Duija said.

He explained that Hindu Religious Education offers a broad field of study that can be developed through a variety of approaches, including Hindu philosophy, socio-cultural studies, communication, and community development.

Therefore, Hindu higher education institutions need to continue developing curricula rooted in Hindu values while remaining relevant to the needs of society. In this way, graduates will not only possess academic competence but will also be able to think critically and creatively and provide solutions to a wide range of challenges.

Prof. Duija also encouraged STAH Dharma Nusantara Jakarta to continue improving institutional quality by strengthening governance, enhancing lecturer capacity, developing research, and implementing sustainable educational programs.

He said that these quality improvements were essential to maintaining the competitiveness of higher education institutions while creating opportunities for the future development of higher levels of education.

Meanwhile, Special Advisor to the Minister of Religious Affairs Gugun Gumilang emphasized the important role of religious education in building national character and realizing Indonesia’s vision toward Indonesia Emas 2045.

He said that the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) presented both challenges and opportunities for religious higher education institutions to produce graduates who achieved a balance of intellectual, spiritual, and moral intelligence.

“Religious education must serve as a foundation for strengthening national character. Religious higher education institutions must continue to innovate so that they can respond to the changing times without losing cultural values and Indonesia’s national identity,” Gugun said.

He added that global change must be addressed through education capable of integrating scientific knowledge, religious values, and the cultural wisdom of the Indonesian archipelago.

Chairperson of STAH Dharma Nusantara Jakarta Dr. Ni Gusti Ayu Ketut Kurniasari said the establishment of the Master’s Program in Hindu Religious Education represented an important milestone in the institution’s efforts to advance Hindu higher education in Jakarta.

She said the achievement was the result of the collective efforts of the entire academic community, which had remained committed to strengthening institutional governance, expanding partnerships, and improving the quality of academic services.

“Amid various challenges, including budget efficiency policies, we remain committed to maintaining the quality of education and providing the best possible services for our students. The enthusiasm of the inaugural cohort has provided new energy for the development of this graduate program,” she said.

Supervisor of the STAH Dharma Nusantara Foundation Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Sang Nyoman Suwisma expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the entire academic community in continuing to contribute to the development of Hindu religious higher education in Jakarta.

He said that cooperation, commitment, and a spirit of service among all members of the campus community were important foundations for improving the quality of education and expanding the contribution of Hindu higher education institutions to society.

With the establishment of the Master’s Program in Hindu Religious Education, STAH Dharma Nusantara Jakarta is expected to produce academics, educators, researchers, and leaders with strong scholarly competence, moral integrity, and a commitment to national development.

The program is part of broader efforts to create an academic environment that encourages the development of ideas, research, and innovations in Hindu education that are relevant to the needs of society and the evolving global development.

Editor : I Made Juni Saputra

Photographer : I Gede Dipayana