BANDAR LAMPUNG — The Doctoral Programme in Development Studies at Universitas Lampung (Unila) held a public lecture with Prof. Suwaib Amiruddin, Professor of Sociology at Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa (Untirta), in the Saibatin Room on the first floor of Building A, FISIP Unila. Reported on 25 September 2024, the lecture carried the theme “Social Interaction as Capital for Raising Awareness in a Multicultural Society to Promote Regional Development”.
The lecture was attended by the Head of the Doctoral Programme in Development Studies, Dr. Bambang Utoyo Sutiyoso; the Programme Secretary, Dr. Ani Agus Puspawati; and lecturers and students. Dr. Handi Mulyaningsih moderated the session.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Bambang stressed that public lectures are one of the long-standing academic traditions of the Doctoral Programme in Development Studies. Each public lecture features a guest or expert in the field who, wherever possible, comes from outside Unila.
The presence of experts is expected to bring a new nuance and perspective, drawn from the experience of the invited guests
Dr. Bambang Utoyo Sutiyoso, Head of the Doctoral Programme in Development Studies, Unila
In his presentation, Prof. Suwaib emphasised that Indonesia’s multicultural society is a non-negotiable reality and has been a commitment of the nation’s founders. Accordingly, the basic rights and freedoms of every individual and group to preserve and develop their identity must be respected, provided they do not interfere with the rights and freedoms of others.
To foster mutual understanding, Prof. Suwaib said, regional governments should organise activities that involve participation and interaction between different groups, such as cultural festivals, interfaith dialogue, and social cooperation and mutual assistance (gotong royong) in community activities. He added that cultural policies emphasising acceptance of religious reality, plurality and multiculturalism already exist and are expressed in political awareness.
Multiculturalism requires serious and sustained effort from many parties, including government, civil society, the media, education and individuals
Prof. Suwaib Amiruddin, Professor of Sociology, Untirta
Prof. Suwaib also cautioned that regional development must anticipate the emergence of identity crises at an early stage. Rapid cultural change, he said, can cause confusion and identity crises for individuals and community groups, making them vulnerable to social conflict.
Sources
This article was rewritten by the PDSP editorial team from the sources above. Photos belong to their respective sources as credited.
