The Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. Drs. I Nengah Duija, M.Si., attended and delivered remarks at the National Saka Bhoga Sevanam event, held at Wantilan Pura Aditya Jaya, Rawamangun, East Jakarta, on Sunday.
The event, which forms part of the series of celebrations for Nyepi, the Day of Silence marking the Saka New Year 1948, served as a real manifestation of social concern by the Hindu community toward fellow citizens, particularly Muslims observing fasting in Ramadan.
In his remarks, Prof. Duija emphasized the importance of the humanity dimension within spiritual practice. “The religious obligation to care for every part of the body reflects the concrete manifestation of living one’s faith. Caring for others through this activity is part of how we embody compassion in the practice of Hinduism,” he affirmed.
Prof. Duija further expressed appreciation for those who were involved in organizing the event. “I would like to express my gratitude to the National Nyepi Celebration Committee for initiating this remarkable effort to foster compassion for fellow human beings and the universe through a nationwide social movement,” he stated.
He also noted the unique spiritual significance of this year’s observance. “The divine reflection presented this year, where Nyepi alongside with Eid al-Fitr, may serve as a meaningful momentum to strengthen togetherness, tolerance, and religious moderation,” he added.
The humanity initiative of Saka Bhoga Sevanam was carried out simultaneously across various regions in Indonesia, distributing 17.865 boxed meals, 15.000 takjil (fast-breaking meal packages), and 5.000 basic food packages to communities in need. The event was officially opened by the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and was attended by leaders of the Central Board of Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) and the National Nyepi Celebration Committee.
Through the distribution of bhoga (food offerings), the Hindu community sought to affirm that the spirit of sharing transcends differences, contributing to the realization of a harmonious and compassionate social order.
Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
