Mataram, August 4, 2025 — The Institute of Hindu Dharma Negeri (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram organized a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) and dissemination of research results at the Senate Room of the Rectorate Building. The academic gathering featured distinguished speakers from Universitas Udayana, namely Prof. Dr. Dra. Luh Putu Puspawati, M.Hum., Professor of Folklore at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and Prof. Dr. I Made Suastika, S.I., Professor at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.
The event highlighted the research theme “Oral Traditions, Myths, and Ritual Values in Religious Literature”, emphasizing the relevance of folklore and oral traditions in understanding cultural and spiritual heritage. Participants from IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram attended and actively engaged in the discussion, enriching the discourse on the significance of preserving traditional knowledge in academic and religious contexts.
In a symbolic moment during the FGD, Prof. Suastika presented a book to the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd. The handover represented not only an academic contribution but also a commitment to strengthening collaboration between Universitas Udayana and IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram in the fields of research and education.
The forum concluded with reflections on the importance of oral traditions as a living source of wisdom that continues to shape cultural identity and spiritual practices in contemporary society. The event also reaffirmed the role of higher education institutions in safeguarding and revitalizing Indonesia’s rich literary and ritual heritage.
In his remarks, Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd, expressed his appreciation to the speakers and participants, emphasizing that the theme discussed was highly relevant to the vision and mission of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. He noted that the exploration of oral traditions and myths not only enriches academic research but also contributes to the strengthening of cultural and spiritual awareness among students and the wider community.
The discussion itself unfolded in a dynamic and interactive manner, with participants enthusiastically raising questions, sharing insights, and exchanging perspectives with the guest speakers. The session highlighted the vitality of folklore studies in contemporary discourse and provided valuable input for future collaborative research between the two institutions.
Overall, the FGD ran smoothly and constructively, creating an atmosphere of intellectual engagement and mutual respect. The combination of scholarly presentations, active discussions, and symbolic gestures of collaboration underscored the importance of academic forums as platforms for knowledge exchange and cultural preservation.
The event concluded with a group photo session, capturing the spirit of academic collaboration and togetherness among the speakers, rector, and participants. This moment served as a symbol of unity and a shared commitment to preserving and advancing Indonesia’s cultural and literary heritage.
(by: DKS)