The spirit of independence was alive in the courtyard of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta's PAU Building on Monday, August 17, 2026. Dressed in traditional attire from across the Indonesian archipelago, faculty, staff, and students stood together in formation, presenting a portrait of diversity united in honoring the struggle of the nation's forebears.

The ceremony was attended by university leadership, lecturers, education staff, students, and members of UIN Sunan Kalijaga's academic community. UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan served as ceremony leader and read out the official address of Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs.

The address affirmed that Indonesia's independence is not a gift, but the fruit of struggle, sacrifice, blood, tears, and prayer from the nation's forebears. The Preamble to the 1945 Constitution also affirms that independence came about by the grace of Allah, the Almighty.

For that reason, independence cannot simply be celebrated as a historical event. It is a trust that must be fulfilled through the advancement of knowledge, hard work, integrity, innovation, and service.

As the nation marks its 81st year of independence, the address called on the public to carry forward the struggle of the nation's heroes through roles relevant to the challenges of the times. Where independence was once won by taking up arms and risking one's life, today that struggle is carried out by advancing knowledge, upholding integrity, nurturing harmony, and harnessing technology for humanity and for preserving the natural world.

Harmony as a Foundation for Development

In the address, the Rector also placed harmony as a central foundation for Indonesia's development amid its diversity. The Religious Harmony Index, which rose from 76.47 in 2024 to 77.89 in 2025, needs to continue being safeguarded by treating religion as a source of enlightenment, peace, and benefit for all.

“Don't let our differences become a reason for hostility. Don't let religion become a reason to grow apart. Let religion and its values be a path toward strengthening one another and giving meaning to life,” the address read.

This message also served as a reminder that diversity requires a willingness to respect one another and work together. Without harmony, the nation's energy is drained by conflict. When differences are instead treated as a strength, development can move forward on firmer, more sustainable ground.

The Rector's address also touched on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which has changed the way people learn and work. Technological progress, it stressed, must be matched by wisdom, good character, and stronger digital and religious literacy.

Without that foundation, technology can be misused to spread lies, hatred, and division. Used responsibly, however, technology can become an instrument for expanding access to education, speeding up services, and improving public welfare.

“AI may keep getting smarter, but people must remain wise. Technology may keep advancing, but good character must not be left behind,” the address stated.

Recognizing Employees' Dedicated Service

The ceremony also included the presentation of Satyalancana Karya Satya service medals to UIN Sunan Kalijaga employees. The awards were granted based on Presidential Decree of the Republic of Indonesia No. 53/TK/2026, issued on August 4, 2026.

The Satyalancana Karya Satya is awarded to recognize employees who have served with unwavering loyalty to Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the state, and the government. Recipients are also assessed as having consistently demonstrated honesty, competence, and discipline, setting an example for their fellow employees.

Six employees received the 30-Year Satyalancana Karya Satya, including UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan. The 20-Year Satyalancana Karya Satya was awarded to 10 employees, including Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation Prof. Abdur Rozaki. Meanwhile, three employees received the 10-Year Satyalancana Karya Satya.

The medals were presented by the Chair of the University Senate, accompanied by the Senate Secretary; the Vice Rector for General Administration, Planning, and Finance, accompanied by the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Institutional Development; and the Head of the Bureau of General Administration and Finance, accompanied by the Head of the Bureau of Academic Administration, Student Affairs, and Cooperation.

This presentation marks independence as something also upheld through diligence in one's work. Service carried out with honesty, discipline, and consistency is part of the everyday effort to give independence meaning.

Through this commemoration of Indonesia's 81st Independence Day, UIN Sunan Kalijaga's academic community was called to treat independence as energy for strengthening its contribution to society. Through knowledge, harmony, integrity, and the use of technology grounded in good character, the spirit of the forebears' struggle can continue to live on in addressing the nation's challenges. (humassk)