Mataram, November 10, 2025 — The Institute of Hindu Dharma Negeri (IAHN) Gde Pudja Mataram proudly held an Open Senate Session to commemorate the Inauguration of Prof. Dr. Drs. I Wayan Sumertha, M.Ag. as Professor in Hindu Theology. This momentous occasion marks him as the seventh Professor of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram a significant milestone in the institute’s academic journey. The ceremony took place at the Meeting Hall, 3rd Floor of the Rectorate Building, on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The event was attended by the entire academic community, including structural and functional officials, lecturers, and educational staff, as well as invited guests such as the Head of the Hindu Community Guidance Division of NTB Province, the Chairperson of PHDI NTB, the Chairperson of WHDI NTB, members of DWP IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, the family of Prof. Dr. Drs. I Wayan Sumertha, M.Ag., and other distinguished invitees.
The solemn ceremony began with an opening procession and the formal declaration of the Open Senate Session by Prof. Dr. Drs. I Wayan Murba Widana, M.Ag., Chairperson of the Senate of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram. The event was adorned by a performance of the institute’s ceremonial dance, “Vagesvari Guna Paraga,” symbolizing the harmony between wisdom, spirituality, and artistic beauty — values deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and embodied by IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram.
In his congratulatory address, the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma.,S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., expressed his heartfelt appreciation and admiration for Prof. Sumertha’s academic dedication and achievements. He remarked that Prof. Sumertha’s long-standing commitment to advancing the study of Hindu theology has not only enriched the intellectual environment of the institute but also strengthened the spiritual foundation of its academic community.
“The conferment of this Professorship is not merely a personal achievement, but a collective pride for all of us,” the Rector stated. “Prof. Sumertha’s scholarly contributions illuminate the bridge between faith and reason — between sacred knowledge and modern scholarship. May his academic journey continue to inspire the younger generation to pursue knowledge with sincerity, devotion, and wisdom.”
The agenda continued with Mrs. Dr. I Gusti Ayu Aditi, S.H.,M.H, Vice Rector for General Administration, Planning, and Finance, reading the Decree of the Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia concerning the academic promotion of Prof. Sumertha. This was followed by the presentation of his academic biography by Mrs. Ni Made Ayu Gempa Wati, S.Ag.,M.Pd.H., Head of the General and Academic Services Division.
The formal conferral of the Professorship was then conducted by the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, represented by the Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, who officially presented the Letter of Appointment to Prof. Sumertha.
The highlight of the ceremony was the Inaugural Academic Oration delivered by Prof. Dr. Drs. I Wayan Sumertha, M.Ag., titled “Hinduism in the Civilization of the Archipelago: A Historical-Theological Study.” In his oration, Prof. Sumertha examined the profound influence of Hindu values on the spiritual and cultural formation of the Indonesian archipelago, underlining the importance of theology as a guiding force in maintaining moral integrity and cultural harmony in modern society.
The event concluded with the formal closing of the Senate Session, followed by a group photo session and a friendly gathering that reflected the warm academic spirit of the IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram community. The inauguration of the seventh Professor reaffirmed the institute’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, the preservation of Hindu wisdom, and the cultivation of a generation of scholars devoted to knowledge, virtue, and service to humanity.
(by: DKS)