On December 6th, the Doctoral Program in Inter-Religious Studies (IRS) at the Graduate School of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) organized an open house, inviting the general public, especially prospective doctoral candidates. This event is a regular activity conducted by the program every semester. In this Open House, the program focused specifically on the importance of cross-religious studies in community life to be discussed with prospective students.
Dr. Zainal Abidin Bagir, the program chair, emphasized in his presentation that the Doctoral Program in Inter-Religious Studies is unique because it is established and managed by a consortium of universities legally known as the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS), consisting of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), State Islamic University Sunan Kalijaga (UIN Sunan Kalijaga), and Duta Wacana Christian University (UKDW). These universities collectively develop the Inter-Religious Studies doctoral program, formally managed and accredited through UGM’s Graduate School.
Dr. Bagir also explained that cross-religious studies currently play a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of relations between religious communities at national and global levels. This is evident from the increasing role of religion in public space due to global developments, as shown in various studies. The establishment of religious affairs departments within the United Nations and nationally in offices dealing with religious management by the presidency and government highlights the growing prominence of religion in various sectors of life, including public policy. Hence, experts in religious studies who are able to respond to these developments are needed.
During this Open House, participants were briefed on career prospects related to cross-religious studies. Based on alumni profiles, graduates of the program are currently employed in various fields such as academia, research, religious community leadership, consulting/advisory roles, parliament membership, government positions, social activism, and entrepreneurship. This profile illustrates that Doctoral IRS graduates can contribute to a variety of professions, addressing queries from Open House participants about suitable careers in cross-religious studies.
The IRS doctoral program’s open house events play a crucial role in recruiting prospective students. They provide candidates with direct information about the program, facilities, and campus environment, enabling them to make informed decisions based on firsthand experience rather than solely relying on online information or brochures.
Through Open House events, prospective students have the opportunity to meet with current professors, staff, and students. This interaction helps candidates understand the academic and social culture of the campus and the available support network. Overall, the program sees open house events as enhancing transparency and trust, as well as aiding educational institutions in attracting more suitable and committed prospective students. Indirectly, these activities contribute to the implementation of specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reducing Inequalities), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
Author: Hendrikus Paulus Kaunang
Editor: Arni Wistriatun