The efforts to strengthen religious education and nurture the character of young Hindus continue to gain strong support from various stakeholders in Banyuwangi Regency. This commitment was reflected in the implementation of the 2026 Dharma Pasraman for Elementary School Students of Banyuwangi Regency, held at Pura Agung Blambangan on Monday.
Carrying the theme “Mari Tingkatkan Sradha dan Bhakti”, the program was organized by the Working Group of Hindu Religious Education Teachers (KKG) of Banyuwangi Regency. Approximately 170 students from state and private elementary schools across the regency participated in the event, accompanied by 40 teacher mentors representing various districts.
Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Galuh Hadi, stated that this year’s Dharma Pasraman was particularly meaningful as it was once again held at the same venue as the previous year. He also expressed appreciation to all parties whose support contributed to the successful implementation of the program.
Meanwhile, Yudi Joko, Chair of the Hindu Religious Education Teachers Working Group (KKG), emphasized that Dharma Pasraman serves as a strategic platform for instilling spiritual values and cultivating character among Hindu students from an early age. Yudi stated that the event is not merely an annual activity but part of a long-term effort to strengthen the faith (Sradha) and devotion (Bhakti) of the younger generation.
“Through this program, students are expected not only to gain religious knowledge but also to apply the values of dharma in their daily lives,” he said.
Appreciation for the program’s consistent implementation was also expressed by Sardiyanto, Chair of the Banyuwangi Regency chapter of the Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI). He noted that Dharma Pasraman has made a meaningful contribution to strengthening Hindu community development, particularly among young people.
Sardiyanto explained that improving religious understanding must go hand in hand with strengthening faith and the practical application of Hindu teachings in everyday life.
“Today should be better than yesterday, and tomorrow should be better than today. In other words, after participating in Dharma Pasraman, students are expected to demonstrate greater religious understanding and stronger faith,” he remarked.
The event was officially inaugurated by Oksan Wibowo, Hindu Affairs Administrator at the Banyuwangi Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In his remarks, he praised the dedication of the Hindu Religious Education Teachers Working Group for its ongoing commitment to providing religious guidance and character education for Hindu students in the region.
“The Elementary School Dharma Pasraman reflects the commitment of the Hindu Religious Education Teachers Working Group to nurturing and developing the character of future Hindu generations,” he affirmed.
Oksan also expressed gratitude that every district in Banyuwangi Regency successfully sent student representatives to participate in the program. According to him, this demonstrates the strong commitment of the Hindu education community to preparing a capable and principled future generation.
Beyond deepening students’ understanding of Hindu teachings, Dharma Pasraman also serves as a platform for building friendships, fostering solidarity, and strengthening religious identity within Indonesia’s diverse society.
On the occasion, Oksan highlighted the importance of balancing academic achievement with character formation and ethical values. He encouraged participants to embrace the principles of Tri Kaya Parisudha—right thought, right speech, and right action—as a guide in their daily lives.
“A Hindu generation must not only excel academically but also possess good ethics, courtesy, and strong character as essential foundations for facing life’s challenges,” he advised.
Programs such as Dharma Pasraman play a vital role in preparing the future of the Hindu community. Equipped with strong spirituality, character, and religious understanding, young Hindus are expected to grow into individuals who not only achieve personal success but also contribute positively to society and promote harmony within their communities.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gede Dipayana
Contributed and Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
