LOMBOK TENGAH, September 10, 2026 — In a heartfelt and meaningful gesture reflecting deep compassion and shared cultural devotion, the Rector of Institut Agama Hindu Negeri (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., led an official delegation of university leaders, faculty members, representatives of the student body, and officials from Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram on a special visit to the revered Sade Traditional Village, located within Rembitan Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.
Conducted on Thursday, September 10, 2026, this journey was undertaken with one clear purpose: to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Sade as they courageously rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a devastating fire that swept through this cherished cultural heartland on August 22, 2026, leaving behind loss but also an unyielding spirit to rise again.Upon arrival, the Rector and his entourage were warmly welcomed by the community leaders and residents, who are now in the early stages of rebuilding their homes and restoring their beloved traditional environment.
In a solemn yet hopeful ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata personally handed over financial assistance raised collectively by the entire academic community of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, offering tangible support intended to ease the burden of recovery and provide practical resources as families begin the long journey toward restoration. More than mere material support, the contribution carries profound symbolic weight, representing the heartfelt care, moral encouragement, and spiritual solidarity of an entire institution standing firmly beside the people of Sade, affirming that they do not walk this difficult road alone.
In his address, the Rector conveyed that Sade holds a place of immense importance, far exceeding its renown as a beloved tourist destination. He explained that this traditional village stands as a living treasure, a vibrant testament to the ancestral roots, distinct customs, time-honored knowledge, and unique identity of the Sasak people. A priceless heritage that belongs not only to the local community but to the broader cultural legacy of the entire region. For this reason, the misfortune that befell Sade is felt deeply across the province, and the responsibility to support its restoration and preserve its soul is a shared duty. “When Sade suffers, we all suffer. When Sade rises, we all rise,” the Rector expressed, conveying a message of togetherness and shared destiny that resonated deeply with all those present.
This compassionate and purposeful visit stands as a living embodiment of the noble Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, with particular focus on the vital duty of community service. Through this action, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram demonstrates that a higher education institution exists not only to educate minds and advance knowledge but also to nurture hearts, uphold human values, and stand present within society especially in times of hardship.
The university reaffirms its commitment to translating academic values into real-world kindness, proving that knowledge and wisdom are most powerful when paired with compassion, social responsibility, and a genuine readiness to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of others.The visit also harmonizes beautifully with the hopeful momentum already taking root within the community itself.
Just one week earlier, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the people of Sade gathered together to perform the sacred traditional ritual of Nyemulak or Tanjek Teken, marking the ceremonial beginning of their rebuilding process. This profound tradition signifies that recovery encompasses far more than simply reconstructing buildings; it represents the restoration of dignity, the continuity of culture, and the unbroken preservation of ancestral heritage for generations yet to come. By arriving at this meaningful moment, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram joins hands with the community to strengthen this spirit, offering partnership, support, and enduring friendship as Sade steps forward into a new chapter.
Through this act of solidarity, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram reaffirms its noble vision as an institution dedicated to service, culture, and humanity. The university stands committed to being a steadfast partner to communities, a guardian of cultural heritage, and a beacon of compassion that bridges the world of academia with the lives of the people it serves. As the people of Sade rebuild with resilience and hope, they carry with them the assurance that the doors and hearts of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram remain always open, ready to support, to preserve, and to serve together, in the shared belief that through togetherness, even the greatest challenges may be overcome and the most precious treasures of our culture preserved forever. (by: DKS)
