The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia has officially inaugurated the Indonesian Confucian Religion College (SETIAKIN) in Pangkalan Baru, Bangka Belitung. This inauguration marks a historic step as SETIAKIN is the first state-run Confucian religion college in Indonesia.

It was emphasized that the establishment of SETIAKIN is a tangible form of government justice and support for fulfilling the need for formal higher education institutions for the Confucian community.

“SETIAKIN was established to respond to the need for a formal higher education institution for followers of the Confucian religion.”

Vision: Social Cohesion and Ancient Chinese Wisdom

A key challenge for religious education highlighted was the realization of social cohesion among religious communities. Quoting an old saying, it was expressed that the academic community of SETIAKIN should be able to absorb wisdom from China and develop it for the nation’s progress.

Confucius’s Tri-Concept of Morality for the Academic Community

The academic community of SETIAKIN was instructed to internalize the three main pillars of Confucian teaching (Ren, Li, and Ba De) as ethical and behavioral guidelines:

  • 1. Ren (Compassion for Others): Considered the core of Confucian teaching. This concept encompasses humanization, caring for the living environment with religious language, and respect for parents.

  • 2. Li (Propriety and Ritual): Encompasses aspects of behavior, ethics, social norms, and orderly religious rituals. Emphasis is placed on the prohibition of listening to, seeing, saying, or doing improper things.

  • 3. Ba De (Eight Virtues): An elaboration of moral values that should guide behavior in every social relationship. The eight virtues include: filial piety, humility, loyalty, trustworthiness, propriety, righteousness, integrity, and a sense of shame.

Academic Structure and Student Recruitment

Recruitment for the first cohort of SETIAKIN students has been conducted openly through a national selection mechanism, attracting participants from various provinces.

SETIAKIN offers two flagship study programs:

  1. Confucian Communication and Broadcasting

  2. Confucian Religious Education

The establishment of this campus is expected to produce Human Resources who are not only intellectually excellent but also firmly adhere to traditional moral values relevant to contemporary challenges.

Indonesian Confucian Religion College (SETIAKIN)

The Indonesian Confucian Religion College (SETIAKIN) is a higher education institution in Jakarta established to advance Confucian studies and religious education in Indonesia. It was founded in response to the need for formal recognition and development of Confucianism as an official religion in the country, particularly during and after the restrictive New Order era. SETIAKIN plays a vital role in training religious leaders, preserving Confucian teachings, and promoting interfaith understanding within Indonesian society.

Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

The Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kementerian Agama) is a government institution established in 1946, shortly after the nation’s independence. It was created to manage religious affairs, foster harmony between the country’s six officially recognized religions (Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism), and administer religious education. The ministry plays a crucial role in Indonesia’s policy of promoting religious tolerance and managing Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj) operations.

Pangkalan Baru

I am unable to provide a specific summary for “Pangkalan Baru” as it appears to be a common place name in Indonesia, meaning “New Base” or “New Settlement.” Without a specific context, such as its province or a notable landmark, it is difficult to detail its unique history. Generally, such names were given to new settlements established during periods of migration or development.

Bangka Belitung

Bangka Belitung is an Indonesian province comprising two main islands, Bangka and Belitung, located off the east coast of Sumatra. Historically, it was a major global producer of tin since the 18th century, initially under Dutch colonial rule. Today, it is renowned for its stunning white sand beaches, unique granite rock formations, and the iconic Lengkuas Island lighthouse built by the Dutch in 1882.

Confucius

Confucius was an influential Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas, known as Confucianism, profoundly shaped East Asian culture and society. While not a physical site, his teachings were compiled in the *Analects* and emphasized moral integrity, social harmony, and familial respect. His legacy endures through temples, such as the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, China, which commemorate his life and philosophical contributions.

Ren

I am unable to provide a summary for “Ren” as it is not a recognized place or cultural site. The term could refer to a common name, a concept, or may be a typo. If you have a different or more specific name, I would be happy to help.

Li

I am unable to provide a summary as “Li” is too general to identify a specific place or cultural site. It could refer to a province in China (e.g., Hainan), a historical Chinese measurement, a dynasty, a surname, or many other things. If you can provide more context, such as a country or a full name, I would be happy to help.

Ba De

I am unable to provide a summary for “Ba De” as it is not a clearly identifiable place or cultural site. The term could refer to a district in Hanoi, Vietnam, or be a transliteration of another name. For an accurate summary, please provide more specific details or the correct full name.