Story of Catholic Nun Completing Education at UNUSA, a Predominantly Muslim Campus

A Catholic nun, Sr Yustina Klun Kolo, has successfully completed her education at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (UNUSA). Yustina shared her experience of pursuing studies at a campus where the majority of students are Muslim. She recounted this during her speech as the representative of the graduates at the graduation ceremony on Tuesday (21/4/2026). Yustina is a graduate of the D4 Health Analyst programme from Kefamenanu/Wini, East Nusa Tenggara. During the graduation procession, she appeared in her nun’s habit while delivering her speech in front of the graduates and guests. As a Catholic student, Yustina admitted to having some concerns when she first started her education at UNUSA. However, the experience she encountered was different from her expectations. “I directly felt the inclusive and tolerant campus atmosphere. Interactions with lecturers and friends went very well, without differentiating backgrounds,” said the fourth child of seven siblings. She also revealed that during her studies, she was still able to follow the learning process well, including when studying courses based on Islamic principles. “I learned to understand moderate Islamic values, as well as the importance of living harmoniously together,” she stated. According to Yustina, the professional and non-discriminatory attitude of the lecturers and educational staff also supported the comfort of students from different backgrounds. “Lecturers and educational staff are professional, fair, and do not differentiate between students,” Yustina explained. This experience reflects the practice of tolerance and inclusivity in the campus environment. UNUSA itself has stated its commitment to creating an open educational environment for all students regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds. In addition, the campus continues to promote the strengthening of religious moderation values through the curriculum and academic activities. Currently, Yustina is known to be working at RSK Budi Rahayu in Blitar as a form of service after completing her education. She hopes that the tolerance values she felt during her studies can continue to be applied in community life. “Differences are not obstacles, but rather wealth that strengthens unity,” she said. “Differences in religion, ethnicity, and culture should be a means to get to know and respect each other, so that a peaceful and harmonious life is created,” Yustina continued.