Today, discussions about tolerance are no longer considered a taboo. The spirit of coexistence and mutual respect within diversity is increasingly celebrated, particularly in interfaith context. Moments of togetherness among religious communities are cherished, especially during Ramadan, a meaningful time emphasizing unity and strengthening bonds. In this spirit, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (UKWMS) embraces the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to host an interfaith iftar event for its academic community as an expression of tolerance and openness to interfaith dialogue.
The event, initiated by the Campus Ministry of UKWMS, carried the theme “Joy in Diversity and Disability Inclusion.” It was held on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at the Plaza St. Augustine, UKWMS Dinoyo Campus, and attended by members of the academic community, guests from interfaith communities, religious organizations, disability communities, and more. The joy of togetherness among people of different faiths was warmly felt where UKWMS served as an inclusive and welcoming space for all groups, including people with disabilities. “As a university under the Catholic Diocese of Surabaya, UKWMS embraces a highly diverse academic community from many backgrounds. We strive to be a welcoming, inclusive campus— especially for people with disabilities,” said RD. Ignasius Sadewo Setiabudi, UKWMS Campus Pastor.
Among the invitees in attendance were representatives from Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), Walubi Surabaya, Muhammadiyah Surabaya, GP Ansor, the Majelis Luhur Kepercayaan Indonesia (MLKI), Roemah Bhineka, Gusdurian Surabaya, the Board of Trustees of Boen Bio Temple, Kedaibilitas, the Chairperson of the Association of Indonesian Women with Disabilities (HWDI) East Java, Surabaya Independent Disability Solidarity (Solitaris), and several other organizations. Also gracing the event was The Smiles, a band from the Autism Awareness Indonesian community, who performed the songs “Die with a Smile” and “Para Pencarimu.” Their performance received a standing ovation from the audience.
“This event is one activity within the series of a year-long series of activities we conduct to commemorate UKWMS’s 65th anniversary. We hope this moment fosters deeper connections, to celebrate unity and spread joy as we approach the day of victory,” said Drs. F. V. Lanny Hartanti, S.Si., M.Si., Vice Rector for Academic, Student Affairs, Alumni, Innovation, and Business of UKWMS.
A spiritual reflection session was held with Mr. Mohammad Aan Anshori, A.Md., S.H., M.H., also known as Gus Aan, from the East Java Anti-Discrimination Islamic Network as the keynote speaker. The evening also featured a joint prayer led by five religious leaders, followed by a time for a warm and welcoming interfaith gathering followed by the iftar.
Source: UKWMS