The Hindu Affairs Officers of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Office in Banyuwangi Regency attended a Coordination Meeting organized by the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI) of Banyuwangi at the hall of Pura Agung Blambangan on Sunday as part of efforts to strengthen the development of the Hindu community.

This meeting served as a strategic forum to evaluate PHDI’s work programs and performance achievements, as well as to discuss revisions and improvements for future programs, current issues within the Hindu community, and to formulate steps to strengthen community development at the regional level.

The meeting was attended by various Hindu religious institutions representatives, including PHDI Banyuwangi District, Pinandita Sanggraha Nusantara (PSN), Wanita Hindu Dharma Indonesia (WHDI), the Indonesian Hindu Coordination Center (Puskor), the Dharmagita Development Institute (LPGD), Peradah, Pecalang, and the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Students Association (KMHDI).

The Chairman of PHDI Banyuwangi, Sardiyanto, stated that community dynamics continue to evolve, particularly regarding the implementation of religious worship during holy days and festivals, as well as issues related to priesthood within the community.

“There needs to be alignment in understanding the sasana (code of conduct) of priesthood in order to create harmony and prosperity within the community, and to support the advancement of religious activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Hindu Affairs Officers of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Banyuwangi, Oksan Wibowo, emphasized the importance of optimizing data collection on the Hindu community, including data on teachers and students of Hindu religious education, which is still considered insufficient.

“Data collection on the community and Hindu religious education must be strengthened as a basis for formulating appropriate and sustainable policies,” he asserted.

He also encouraged the Dharmagita Development Institute (LPGD) to promptly obtain formal recognition through a Regent’s Decree as part of institutional strengthening. In addition, the presence of a Hindu Religious Higher Education Institution (PTKH) in Banyuwangi is expected to be utilized to improve the quality of Hindu human resources, especially among the younger generation.

During the meeting, the importance of exemplary leadership in community development and the use of media as a means of publicizing religious activities was also highlighted. Community development should not only be administrative in nature but must also include the clarification of religious understanding, including proper worship practices and dress ethics, carried out synergistically with PSN.

This meeting is expected to strengthen synergy among Hindu community institutions and unify perspectives in implementing development programs, in order to realize a harmonious, progressive, and prosperous Hindu community in Banyuwangi Regency as part of national religious development.

Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori