Amid Indonesia\u2019s diversity, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ)\nhas established itself as an open educational space welcoming all\nstudents regardless of religious background.<\/p>\n
Several non-Muslim students have chosen to pursue education at UMJ\ndue to its academic quality, inclusive campus environment, and values of\ntolerance embedded in daily campus life.<\/p>\n
Wilfridus Kado, a Christian graduate from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT)\nfrom the Master\u2019s programme in Educational Technology at UMJ\u2019s Graduate\nSchool (SPs UMJ), selected the institution because of its accredited\nquality and reputation, and its curriculum highly relevant to\ncontemporary needs.<\/p>\n
Wilfridus explained that integrating technology into pedagogy is\nessential. UMJ offers an academic ecosystem supporting the development\nof digital competencies, supported by expert lecturers in their\nrespective fields.<\/p>\n
Additionally, UMJ\u2019s flexibility and openness towards students from\ndiverse backgrounds represented an added value that solidified his\nchoice.<\/p>\n
Tolerance at UMJ<\/p>\n
From his first day of lectures, Wilfridus felt the Muhammadiyah\ncampus valued human dignity and academic professionalism. Specifically\nat UMJ, there existed no barriers or discriminatory treatment; all\nstudents possessed equal rights and opportunities to learn, discuss, and\ndevelop.<\/p>\n
\u201cTolerance at UMJ is not merely a slogan, but concrete action,\u201d he\nstated.<\/p>\n
UMJ provided freedom to explore academic ideas without concern\nregarding religious background. During group discussions or research\ncompilation, what was evaluated was scientific objectivity and quality\nof thought.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe space for dialogue between different faiths was wide open in a\nhealthy manner, where differences were not viewed as a dividing factor,\nbut as enriched perspectives,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Challenges in Studying<\/p>\n
The challenges Wilfridus experienced were primarily cultural\nadaptation towards Islamic terminology and traditions often used in\nlecture introductions. However, this challenge posed no obstacle\nwhatsoever.<\/p>\n
\u201cFellow students and lecturers were highly inclusive and cheerfully\nexplained matters, so the process of social and academic adaptation\nproceeded very naturally and quickly,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
This experience further strengthened Wilfridus\u2019 conviction that\nIslamic faith-based educational institutions and Muhammadiyah campuses\nare capable of functioning as shelters for all segments of society. He\nviewed cross-background collaboration as the key to advancing national\neducation.<\/p>\n
Impression of Studying at UMJ<\/p>\n
Wilfridus stated that studying at UMJ enhanced his capacity for\nstrategic and practical thinking in designing digital ecosystems in\nschools. He learned how to integrate artificial intelligence (AI),\nmanage learning management systems (LMS), and conduct impactful\ninstructional development research.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe professional network and mature perspective on diversity\nrepresent valuable assets I bring back to my home region,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
According to him, Muhammadiyah strongly emphasised the ethos of\nprogress\u2014how to continuously innovate and avoid stagnation. This value\nstrongly aligned with the spirit of Educational Technology.\nAdditionally, the value of treating people with dignity regardless of\nethnicity, race, or religion was genuinely felt in daily campus\ninteractions.<\/p>\n
Message for Prospective Students<\/p>\n
Muhammadiyah campuses, such as UMJ, are educational institutions\nfounded on trust, professionalism, and high inclusivity. Studying at UMJ\nprovides a rare opportunity to broaden horizons, learn to genuinely\nnurture diversity, and gain superior quality education.<\/p>\n
\u201cNever doubt, because you will be evaluated based on your academic\nintegrity and intellectual contribution, not based on your beliefs,\u201d was\nhis message.<\/p>\n
Wilfridus hoped UMJ would continue to maintain and strengthen its\ncommitment as an inclusive, humanistic, and progressive campus.<\/p>\n
He hoped UMJ would continue to open spaces for cultural and academic\ndialogue bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, so that\nUMJ could continue serving as a laboratory of tolerance inspiring other\ncampuses throughout Indonesia.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/non-muslim-graduate-from-ntt-experiences-tolerance-and-inclusivity-at-umj-1780366845", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }