In the framework of the end of the Community Development (PKL) course, the Study of Religions Study Program together with students visited several houses of worship and cultural sites in Semarang, Central Java. On this occasion, the group of 39 people was accompanied by lecturers and 1 SAA Administration staff. The Head of SAA Study Program, Mrs. Dr. Dian Nur Anna and Secretary of SAA Study Program Mrs. Aida Nur Hidayah also accompanied the students on this visit. Also present were Drs. Rahmat Fajri, M.Ag., and Mr. Derry Ahmad Rizal, M.A as lecturers of the Sociology of Religion course.

The group departed from Jogja to Semarang on Saturday morning, January 14, 2023 using a bus. This activity began with a joint prayer led by Dr. Ustadi Hamsah as SAA lecturer and Head of SAA Master Program. This visit was carried out so that students could get to know more about houses of worship and the history behind them in depth.

On this occasion, the SAA study program group visited Watugong Buddhagaya Vihara, Sam Poo Kong Temple, GPIB Immanuel Semarang and the Great Mosque of Central Java. The enthusiasm of the students was shown in the euphoria and enthusiasm during the visit. The response and enthusiasm of the students while touring the houses of worship were shown through questions asked about the history of the current conditions related to houses of worship.

The visit was carried out not only as part of the course, but also as a place for friendship and efforts to collaborate with Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) activities. Hopefully this visit can further foster the spirit of tolerance between religious communities in Religious Studies students. With visits like this, it opens up spaces for dialogue and encounters between religious believers, said Dr. Dian as the Head of SAA Study Program.

This visit is also expected to provide knowledge and students can recognize religious places of worship. This visit session began with the introduction of the group to the host, followed by a brief explanation of the house of worship being visited. After that, students take a tour around the house of worship and can ask questions about the instruments and symbols seen.

Study Program Editorial Team

Nurul Khorina Seci Vella