Mataram, April 12, 2026 — A significant milestone in the academic journey of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram was marked through a strategic development activity led by the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The event, held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, took place in the 3rd Floor Meeting Room of the Rectorate Building and was attended by all civil servants (ASN) within the university.
The program commenced with a welcoming address from the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., who expressed his sincere appreciation for the presence of the Director General. He highlighted the Director General’s consistent support and willingness to visit IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram whenever invited, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing Hindu higher education in Indonesia.
In his remarks, the Rector emphasized that the establishment of the Doctoral Program (S3) in Hindu Communication Studies is the result of collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. This initiative represents a strategic step toward enhancing human resources, particularly within the academic community of the institution. Addressing the current context of budget efficiency, he encouraged all members of the institution to embrace transformation through small yet meaningful actions. He called for the strengthening of collective awareness to improve work culture, productivity, and service quality, while also supporting the policies of the Minister of Religious Affairs and the Director General.
Delivering his keynote address, the Director General, Prof. Dr. Drs I Nengah Duija, M.Si., conveyed his appreciation and congratulations on the successful approval of the proposal to establish an additional faculty, as an important and strategic step toward transforming the institute into a university. He urged the immediate formation of a dedicated team to accelerate institutional transformation. Furthermore, he extended his congratulations on the official opening of the Doctoral Program in Hindu Communication Studies, recognizing it as the outcome of strong collaboration and the support of qualified human resources. In his presentation, he outlined several essential requirements for the admission of new doctoral students to ensure smooth academic operations, including the importance of systematic documentation to facilitate future accreditation processes.
The highlight of the event was the formal handover of the Minister of Religious Affairs Decree No. 573 of 2026 concerning the establishment of the Doctoral Program (S3) in Hindu Communication Studies at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. This moment came as a joyful surprise, with the Director General noting that, historically, this was the first time such a decree had been issued within just two days after the draft submission, an extraordinary achievement that reflects both efficiency and institutional readiness. In closing, the Director General emphasized the importance of managing the doctoral program with dedication, professionalism, and high academic standards by optimizing the available human resources. The development session concluded with a joint prayer as an expression of gratitude and collective commitment to advancing the institution.
(by: DKS)
