Lombok Barat, November 9–10, 2025 — In an effort to strengthen communication, transparency, and collaboration between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the media, a two-day Media Gathering was successfully held under the theme “Transformasi Layanan Menuju SDM Hindu yang Unggul” (Transformation of Services Toward Excellent Hindu Human Resources). The event took place from Sunday to Monday, November 9–10, 2025, at The Jayakarta Hotel, and was organized by the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance in collaboration with the Indonesian Hindu State Institute (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram.
The event was chaired by Ni Made Ayu Gempa Wati, S.Ag.,M.Pd.H, who emphasized in her report that the gathering aimed to create a platform for open dialogue between policymakers, institutional leaders, and the media, as well as to disseminate accurate information about the government’s achievements and ongoing transformation within the Hindu community development sector.
A total of 72 participants took part in this program, including 40 national media representatives from Jawa Pos, Detik.com, Antara, and several other major outlets. The presence of such a diverse media delegation underscored the growing importance of inclusive public communication in supporting the government’s efforts to promote the values of integrity, accountability, and quality service.
Distinguished guests who attended the event included the Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs for Public Policy, Media, and Institutional Development, Dr. Drs. Ismail Cawidu, M.Si.; the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, Prof. Dr. Drs. I Nengah Duija, SE., M.Si.; and the Head of the Bureau of Public Relations, Data, and Information (HDI) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dr. Thobib Al-Asyhar, M.Si. Their presence gave further weight to the event, signaling the Ministry’s strong commitment to advancing the transformation agenda in public service delivery.
The gathering began with an opening ceremony and welcoming address by the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma.,S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., who expressed appreciation for the trust and support extended by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in hosting such a strategic activity in Mataram. In his remarks, the Rector also presented an overview of IAHN’s institutional programs, focusing on academic innovation, collaboration, and the integration of technology in learning. This was followed by the screening of a video presentation showcasing IAHN’s performance achievements, demonstrating how the institution has contributed to nurturing excellent and ethical Hindu human resources in Indonesia.
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Ismail Cawidu highlighted the crucial role of the media in shaping public understanding of religious and educational development in Indonesia. “The media is not merely an observer but an active partner in conveying accurate, balanced, and inspiring narratives to the public,” he stated. Dr. Cawidu also underscored the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to transform its services, emphasizing values of integrity, professionalism, and inclusivity. He then officially opened the event, marking the beginning of two days of productive dialogue and knowledge exchange.
The session continued with a presentation by Prof. Dr. I Nengah Duija, who elaborated on the Performance Achievements of the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance. His presentation, accompanied by a video feature, detailed the strategic programs implemented to enhance the quality of religious education, strengthen Hindu institutions, and foster harmony among communities. Prof. Duija stressed that transformation in service is not limited to administrative reform but also encompasses the cultivation of spiritual, intellectual, and ethical excellence within the Hindu population.
The discussion was followed by an insightful session delivered by Dr. Thobib Al-Asyhar, Head of the Bureau of Public Relations and Public Communication at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In his talk titled “Transformation of the Ministry’s Performance Toward an Integrity-Based and Impactful Public Service,” Dr. Thobib shared the Ministry’s roadmap for building a transparent, data-driven, and citizen-centered communication ecosystem. He explained how digital transformation and evidence-based communication are key to fostering public trust and enhancing institutional reputation.
Throughout the gathering, participants actively engaged in discussions and question-and-answer sessions, reflecting their enthusiasm and critical attention toward the Ministry’s achievements and communication strategies. Representatives from the media expressed their appreciation for the openness and clarity with which the Ministry addressed various public service and policy issues.
The event concluded with a closing session and group photo, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding among the participants. The Media Gathering not only served as a forum for information exchange but also strengthened the partnership between the Ministry of Religious Affairs and media institutions in realizing the vision of developing excellent Hindu human resources who are intellectually advanced, morally upright, and spiritually grounded.
By bridging the government and the public through constructive dialogue and credible reporting, this event reflected a significant step toward ensuring that the transformation of public services in the religious sector continues to be transparent, accountable, and beneficial for all segments of society.
(by DKS)