UIN Rector: Alumni Must Play a Role in Preserving Diversity within Society
The Rector of Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Datokaruma Palu, Central Sulawesi, Professor Lukman Thahir, stated that the university’s alumni must play an active role in preserving diversity within society to maintain peace and religious harmony.
“On campus, we learn that humans can have different religions, ethnicities, cultures, and perspectives, yet still be able to sit together. Therefore, when alumni leave the campus, they need to enhance the values of tolerance,” said Lukman Thahir while delivering a message during the 47th graduation ceremony for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in Palu on Saturday.
He noted that UIN Datokarama is currently undergoing continuous academic improvements, including establishing the campus as a living laboratory for religious moderation.
“Religious moderation is not just something taught in the classroom. We strive to bring it to life within campus life so that students understand the essence of tolerance amidst diversity,” he said.
He added that after completing their studies, alumni return to their communities and enter workplaces that are likely far more diverse than the university environment. In the workplace, they will inevitably encounter different religions, characters, life choices, cultures, political views, and faiths. Therefore, as graduates of an Islamic higher education institution, they must demonstrate a strong work ethic and be individuals of honesty and character.
Furthermore, in social life, they should implement the knowledge and goodness acquired during their studies, while acting as pioneers in applying the values of religious moderation.
“Returning to society, various challenges will certainly arise. As intellectuals, they must be able to face these challenges and solve daily life problems by always prioritising etiquette and manners,” Lukman remarked.
During the 47th graduation ceremony in 2024, UIN Datokarama graduated 581 students, consisting of 482 undergraduates, 80 master’s students, and 19 doctoral students.