On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a visit from the Aqidah Philosophy Department of the Faculty of Ushuluddin at Universitas Darussalam (UNIDA) Gontor. Around 70 students and accompanying lecturers from UNIDA Gontor attended the visit, which aimed to expand academic knowledge and strengthen collaboration between the two higher education institutions, particularly in the fields of philosophy and religion.
The event took place in the Persatuan Room on the third floor of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM. During the visit, the UNIDA Gontor students participated in a public lecture and interactive discussion on the intriguing topic of the relationship between religion and science and technology (saintek).
Dr. Rizal Mustansyir, a lecturer from the Faculty of Philosophy UGM, served as the main speaker, providing an insightful presentation on how philosophy can bridge the relationship between religion and the advancements of science and technology in the modern age. “The relationship between religion and science should not be seen as something to be in conflict; rather, they can complement each other. Philosophy provides the foundation for understanding both in a harmonious framework,” said Dr. Rizal during the lecture.
The discussion session was lively, with UNIDA Gontor students eagerly asking various questions related to the topic. They also shared their perspectives on the challenges faced in integrating religious teachings with the development of science.
This visit is part of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM’s efforts to expand academic networks with other universities and to encourage deeper discussions across various disciplines, particularly those relating to religion and philosophy. Through activities like this, it is hoped that students will develop a greater appreciation for the importance of interaction between fields of knowledge to address the significant challenges in contemporary society.
The Faculty of Philosophy UGM warmly welcomed this visit as a positive step in building synergy between universities and advancing the development of higher education, particularly in the fields of religious philosophy and science.