PRIME NEWS POST

JAKARTA — The five-year leadership term of the Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) Central Board has been a journey marked by both challenges and resolve. Through various trials, the commitment to preserve unity among followers and strengthen contributions to the nation has remained steadfast

This was conveyed by PHDI Central Chairman Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Wisnu Bawa Tenaya during the 13th PHDI Mahasabha, held in Jakarta from 8–11 October 2026.

Wisnu described PHDI’s journey over the past five years as sailing across an ocean, navigating through waves both great and small.

“Over these five years, we have sailed the ocean, rising and falling with the waves, yet remaining steadfast in nurturing our community, trusting that the Divine walks with us,” Wisnu stated.

He noted that an organization’s path is not always smooth, yet these very dynamics have become instrumental in strengthening PHDI as the primary institution for Hindu communities in Indonesia.

The 13th Mahasabha serves not merely as a forum for organizational accountability and leadership transition, but as a pivotal moment to chart PHDI’s future direction. Carrying the theme “Strengthening PHDI through Religious Dharma and National Dharma Toward a Great Indonesia,” the gathering affirms that spiritual life and national life must progress in harmony.

Wisnu expressed hope that the leadership transition would unfold in a spirit of kinship, prioritizing consensus-building through deliberation.

“Whoever is elected deserves our support; together, we shall uphold Hindu values in our daily lives,” he said.

A Curriculum of Love to Preserve Diversity

In his opening remarks at the 13th Mahasabha, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the importance of nurturing a faith rooted in compassion.

He described Indonesia’s diversity as a collective strength that must be safeguarded. This calls for continuously reinforcing values of love, tolerance, and mutual respect. The Ministry of Religious Affairs’ “Curriculum of Love” stands as one approach to instilling these principles.

“Guided by compassion, differences need not divide us. Instead, our diversity becomes the very energy that propels our nation forward,” the Minister affirmed.

Religious Dharma and National Dharma

Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani underscored the vital synergy between religious and national dharma. He acknowledged the profound contributions of Hindu communities throughout Indonesia’s history, noting that Hindu cultural heritage across the archipelago forms an inseparable part of the nation’s identity.

Accordingly, the role of Hindu communities should extend beyond religious life—encompassing education, culture, economic development, social welfare, and national progress. The 13th Mahasabha serves as a vital platform to align these aspirations.

More Than a Leadership Transition

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa called upon the 13th Mahasabha to serve as a unifying milestone for the Hindu community.

“PHDI is the spiritual home of Indonesia’s Hindu people. Internal consolidation must go hand in hand with improving service to our community,” she stated.

Key priorities include youth education, economic empowerment, cultural and sacred site preservation, and expanding community participation in national development. In this way, the Mahasabha’s impact extends far beyond the election of new leadership.

This five-yearly assembly is expected to forge a renewed vision—one that addresses the community’s evolving needs while deepening PHDI’s contributions to the nation.

The past five years have provided valuable lessons. The challenges overcome have become stepping stones. Now, the journey continues—steering PHDI toward even greater horizons, with unity as its compass.

The 13th Mahasabha stands poised as a new beginning: a renewed commitment to upholding Religious Dharma, National Dharma, and the enduring contribution of Indonesia’s Hindu community on the journey toward a Great Indonesia.

Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper