YOGYAKARTA — In a bold departure from traditional university orientations, UIN Sunan Kalijaga welcomed its new cohort of 5,159 students with a powerful message of harmony, pluralism, and non-violence. On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the university’s annual Pengenalan Budaya Akademik dan Kemahasiswaan (PBAK)—or Student Academic and Campus Culture Orientation—transformed from a routine welcome ceremony into a vibrant platform for instilling the values of moderation and social responsibility.

The university’s approach, hailed as a model for modern education, aims to cultivate a new generation of Indonesian leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of a diverse society. The orientation's core focus was a resounding call for religious moderation—a concept championed by Vice Rector for Student and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Abdur Rozaki.

"Indonesia is a unique social laboratory of multiculturalism," Dr. Rozaki stated, emphasizing the nation's rich tapestry of over 700 local languages and six official religions. He argued that religious moderation is the essential glue for a nation that continues to face threats from extremism. To that end, he outlined four key indicators of a moderate individual: a strong commitment to national identity, a firm stance against all forms of violence, deep-seated tolerance, and a respectful acceptance of local traditions.

Echoing this sentiment, UIN Sunan Kalijaga also made a firm and public commitment to student safety. During a dedicated session, the university's Integrated Service Center for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PLT-PPKS) distributed guidelines and established an open channel for reporting incidents. This proactive step sent a clear message: the university is a safe space, and it stands as a shield against any form of violence or discrimination.

Beyond the formal sessions, the university's commitment to inclusivity was on full display. The Center for Disability Services (PLD) took to the stage with the tagline "You, Me, We are Equal," demonstrating the university's long-standing dedication to creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all students. This inclusive ethos, according to the university, is not just a policy but the very essence of its academic and cultural life.

By replacing outdated hazing rituals with a focus on spiritual grounding, intellectual engagement, and social awareness, UIN Sunan Kalijaga is not just shaping students—it's forging a new class of enlightened, pluralistic leaders ready to address the pressing challenges of their time. The PBAK 2025 is a testament to the idea that a university's true purpose extends beyond the classroom, serving as a vital force for progress and civilization.