The Hindu Students Association in Indonesia (KMHDI) awarded Aree Duybiana, the head of the Puri Kohan Ubud Foundation, the Inspiring Hindu Figure Award for 2026. The award was presented by the Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly, Ahmad Muzani, in recognition of his significant contributions to promoting Hindu culture and developing Indonesian society.
The ceremony took place at Lampung University, where Duybiana was honored for his active role in supporting Hindu youth and encouraging their participation in nation-building. Duybiana expressed his gratitude for the award, noting that it is not just an honor for him, but for all those who work hard to enhance the role of Hindus in Indonesian society.
Event Details
The KMHDI 2026 award ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including representatives from the local government and civil society organizations. The Chairman of KMHDI, Wayan Dharmawan, emphasized that the award aims to encourage more inspiring figures in various fields, especially in public policies that significantly impact Indonesian society.
Duybiana, also known as Gong Aree, served as a special advisor to Indonesian President Joko Widodo from 2014 to 2019, and was appointed as the coordinator of special advisors from 2019 to 2024. He has significantly contributed to enhancing cooperation between KMHDI and state institutions to support the advancement of the Hindu community.
Background & Context
The Hindu Students Association in Indonesia is one of the leading organizations working to promote Hindu culture in the country. Established in 1999, KMHDI aims to support Hindu students and enhance their cultural and religious identity. In recent years, Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority country, has witnessed a growing interest in diverse cultures and religions, reflecting the multiculturalism of the nation.
Indonesia is home to a large number of religions and cultures, including Hinduism, which has a long history in the country. However, the challenges faced by Hindu communities require ongoing efforts to preserve their cultural heritage and enhance their role in society.
Impact & Consequences
Highlighting inspiring figures like Aree Duybiana reflects the importance of the role that religious communities play in promoting social cohesion and sustainable development. By honoring these individuals, more youth are encouraged to engage in community work and contribute to building their homeland.
These awards also enhance the significance of public policies that support cultural and religious diversity, contributing to the promotion of peace and stability in Indonesian society. Honoring inspiring figures can have a positive impact on future generations, encouraging them to strive for positive change in their communities.
Regional Significance
Although Indonesia is far from the Arab world, there are lessons that Arabs can learn from this experience. Promoting cultural pluralism and mutual respect among religions can contribute to building more cohesive and stable communities in the Arab region.
Supporting inspiring figures in local communities can serve as a model in Arab countries, where it can help enhance cultural and religious identity and motivate youth to actively participate in the development of their communities.