Mataram, Monday (September 22, 2025) — The Department of Dharma Sastra, Faculty of Dharma Duta, Brahmawidya, and Dharma Sastra at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram held a prestigious National Seminar on the 3rd Floor of the Rectorate Building. The seminar, attended by 150 participants, brought together a diverse audience of university officials, leaders of Hindu organizations in West Nusa Tenggara, religious scholars, community figures, and students from both IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram and other universities.
The seminar carried the compelling theme “Religion, Culture, and Law as Norms in Traditional and Modern Society.” The event presented an intellectual forum for reflection and dialogue on how values drawn from religion, enriched by culture, and strengthened by law, remain essential in guiding society through rapid changes in the modern era.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Drs. I Nyoman Murba Widana, M.Ag., delivered an inspiring address that highlighted the interconnectedness of spiritual wisdom and societal norms. He was joined by two other distinguished speakers: Dr. Dindin Nasrudin, M.Pd., MM. from UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, West Java, and I Nyoman Sumantri, S.H., M.Ag., each contributing unique perspectives from the fields of education, law, and Hindu philosophy.
The program commenced with a report by I Gusti Ayu Agung Andriani, S.H., M.H., Chair of the Organizing Committee. She underlined that the seminar was a grassroots initiative jointly driven by lecturers and students of the Dharma Sastra Department, with financial support entirely derived from their collective contributions and sponsorships. “This seminar reflects our shared commitment to advancing academic dialogue that bridges theory and practice, tradition and modernity,” she affirmed.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Putu Somiartha, S.E., M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Dharma Duta, Brahmawidya, and Dharma Sastra, applauded the dedication of the committee and emphasized the timeliness of the theme. “Religion, culture, and law are not merely abstract concepts, but living forces that guide the moral compass of society. Today’s dialogue is crucial in navigating the challenges of modern life without losing touch with our roots,” he stated.
The seminar was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. In his keynote address, he conveyed profound appreciation for the collaborative efforts behind the event and underscored the importance of integrating religion and law in daily life. “Religion should serve as our collective doctrine, while law provides the framework of rules we must uphold. In Hinduism, texts such as the Dharma Sastra, ethical scriptures, and Atmanastuti remain timeless guides that harmonize spiritual values with legal norms,” he said.
The Rector further expressed his hope that the presentations would deepen participants’ understanding and inspire them to apply the knowledge in their personal lives and wider communities. His remarks set a reflective tone for the seminar, urging participants to view religion, culture, and law not as separate domains but as interwoven threads sustaining social harmony.
The opening session concluded with a group photo capturing the unity of scholars, leaders, and students in their shared pursuit of knowledge. The seminar then continued into its core sessions, marked by vibrant discussions and thoughtful exchanges between speakers and participants.
Beyond the academic discussions, the seminar also served as a platform for strengthening networks among scholars, religious leaders, and students. Many participants expressed that such forums are essential for fostering collaboration across disciplines, enabling religion, law, and culture to be discussed not only in theory but also in relation to real-world challenges faced by communities today.
The event concluded with high appreciation from both speakers and participants. Attendees noted that the seminar not only broadened their perspectives but also inspired them to take part in preserving cultural values while adapting to modern societal dynamics. With its success, the Department of Dharma Sastra aims to make the National Seminar an ongoing agenda that continuously contributes to intellectual growth and community development.
By: DKS