Tadulako University Palu Strengthens Religious Tolerance and Moderation on Campus
Palu (ANTARA) - The Dean of the Faculty of Law at Tadulako University (Untad) Palu, Awaluddin, is encouraging students to become ‘Harmony Ambassadors’ to strengthen religious tolerance and moderation within the campus environment and to prevent the growth of intolerance.
“As one of the largest universities in Central Sulawesi, Untad has a significant student population. This condition represents great potential if accompanied by guidance and the strengthening of understanding regarding tolerance,” he said in Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Wednesday.
This was stated by Awaluddin in relation to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Untad Palu Faculty of Law and the Central Sulawesi Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB). The cooperation will be followed up through tolerance training programmes and the strengthening of religious moderation among students.
According to him, issues of intolerance, radicalism, and terrorism require serious attention within academic environments. Referring to data and information from the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), the potential spread of radical ideologies targets not only students but can also affect teaching and educational staff.
“If left without the strengthening of understanding, our youth will certainly be vulnerable to being influenced and driven in directions that are undesirable by parties who do not wish for peace,” he said.
To anticipate this, his office welcomes the idea of forming Harmony Ambassadors involving students from various religious backgrounds. These Harmony Ambassadors will be tasked with spreading the values of tolerance and serving as positive role models within their respective environments.
He emphasised that the appointment of Harmony Ambassadors must not stop at a ceremonial status. The programme requires continuous collaboration and guidance from lecturers and relevant parties to ensure the ambassadors’ roles can function effectively.
“These ambassadors are expected to be role models and bring a positive impact (a positive virus) to their peers,” he expressed.