Jakarta — The Ministry of Religious Affairs, toward the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance (Ditjen Bimas Hindu), continues to reinforce Hindu religious education in Indonesia through the formal education system known as Widyalaya, as mandated based on Decree of Minister of Religious Affairs (PMA) No. 2 of 2024 on Hindu Religious Education.
Widyalaya is a Hindu-based formal educational institution established to develop students with noble character, strong academic ability, practical skills, and independence—preparing them for higher levels of education.
Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, Prof. I Nengah Duija, emphasized that Widyalaya plays an important role in the national education system by shaping character and strengthening spirituality through dharma-based learning.
“Widyalaya exists to nurture intelligent, virtuous, and competitive Hindu youth who live by dharma in everyday life. This is a concrete step in building a civilized and moderate Hindu education ecosystem,” said Prof. Duija in Jakarta, Thursday (16/10/2025).
The strengthening of Widyalaya in 2025 has been designated as one of the priority programs of the Minister of Religious Affairs, Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, MA., aimed at advancing religious education nationwide. The Minister expressed full support for the development of Widyalaya as part of an ongoing transformation toward inclusive, moderate, and progressive religious education.
“The Ministry of Religious Affairs views religious education as a foundation for building a nation of strong character. Through Widyalaya, we want to ensure that young Hindus grow with a strong sense of nationalism, deep spirituality, and high respect for tolerance,” the Minister said.
He added that strengthening Widyalaya institutions is not merely an effort to improve the quality of Hindu education, but also a national strategy to instill Religious Moderation from an early age.
“I fully support the expansion and consolidation of Widyalaya institutions. This is part of our commitment to develop a religious education system that is inclusive and responsive to contemporary challenges,” he affirmed.
Widyalaya Growth in Indonesia
Prof. Duija stated that the data demonstrates the continued growth of Widyalaya and its improving relevance as a preferred option among Hindu communities seeking formal education rooted in moral and spiritual values.
“We are committed to improving teaching quality, strengthening teacher competence, and developing curricula that remain relevant to evolving times while upholding spiritual principles,” he said.
Beyond academic achievement, Widyalaya also serves as a center for character development, Hindu arts and culture, as well as a practical space for implementing Religious Moderation within the educational environment.
“Through the strengthening of Widyalaya, we aim to produce a generation of Hindus who excel not only intellectually, but also ethically—tolerant, compassionate, and capable of becoming agents of harmony in Indonesia’s diverse society,” Prof. Duija concluded.
With full ministerial support, Widyalaya development program is expected to establish a strong foundation for a modern and adaptive Hindu education ecosystem that fosters moderate character formation—aligned with the ongoing transformation agenda of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Kontributor: Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
Editor: Jaya Perdhana
Fotografer: Made Juni
