Best Wishes for the Service of the PHDI Board (2026–2031)

Denpasar (Atnews) – Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI), as the supreme council for Hindus in Indonesia, serves as an institution protecting and nurturing the Hindu community.

Cultural observer, Putu Suasta, has urged the PHDI Central Executive Board to effectively protect and support all Hindus—regardless of their ethnicity, race, social group, profession, or background—across the Indonesian archipelago.

“The PHDI board members must truly understand their duties and be capable of protecting and supporting all Hindus, encompassing the diverse ethnicities, races, groups, professions, and backgrounds found throughout the archipelago,” said Putu Suasta—an alumnus of both Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Cornell University—in Denpasar on Tuesday (Oct 27).

This statement was made following the Mejaya-jaya (inauguration) ceremony for the 2026–2031 PHDI Central Executive Board, held in conjunction with a Simakrama (gathering) at the sacred Besakih Temple complex in Karangasem District, Bali, on Saturday (Oct 24).

On that occasion, Suasta also expressed his appreciation and offered his best wishes to the new PHDI Central Executive Board as they begin their cultural and spiritual service. The new leadership includes Dharma Adyaksa (Spiritual Leader) Ida Pandita Mpu Siwa Budha Daksa Darmita; Chairman of the PHDI Central Executive Board, (retired) Lieutenant General (TNI) I Nyoman Cantiasa; and Chairman of the Sabha Walaka (Advisory Council), (retired) Colonel (Inf.) I Nengah Dana.

The Mejaya-jaya and Simakrama ceremonies were themed “A United Hindu Community Across the Archipelago Under the Great Roof of PHDI.” It served as a spiritual milestone to commence their service, while simultaneously strengthening the commitment of the board members to their duty of guiding and nurturing the Hindu community in Indonesia.

This is because Hindu teachings are rooted in Sanatana Dharma (eternal truth)—a philosophy based on Dharma that transcends territorial boundaries. “Hindu teachings, which align with the laws of the universe, are accessible to anyone, at any time, and in any place—a concept known as desa kala patra,” he explained.

The PHDI (Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia) should have the courage to firmly uphold Dharma based on the sacred Vedas, while embracing all components and the full potential of the Hindu community.

This includes embracing diverse cultural expressions: Javanese Hindus who build candi (temples); Kaharingan Hindus who worship God through Balai Basarah; Hindus of Indian descent who honor Ista Devata (deities) in mandirs (temples); and Balinese Hindus who offer prayers to Hyang Widhi in puras (temples).

It also entails respecting the culture of the Karo people living near the foothills of Mount Sinabung in Karo District, North Sumatra—a culture deeply rooted in reverence for nature, traditional beliefs, and a profound spiritual bond with the volcano. This extends to the Kaharingan Hindu community, a tradition practiced by the Dayak people.

Furthermore, there are Hindu communities scattered across Java—in areas such as Dieng, Madura, Pasuruan, Tengger, Mojokerto, Kediri, Pati, Rembang, Klaten, Solo, and Blitar.

Suasta also reminded the central leadership of the PHDI not to merely show up for ceremonial events like Mejaya-jaya (inauguration). Instead, they must be present to nurture and protect the Hindu community, reaching even the most remote villages, mountains, valleys, and settlements throughout the archipelago.

“Many Hindus face hardships, cultural sacrifices, and new challenges in a rapidly changing, increasingly digital world. A large number of Hindus still live below the poverty line,” he noted.

Therefore, the PHDI institution must take a serious approach to providing guidance and support across all aspects of life.

Additionally, the central executive board of PHDI should adopt a modern, technology-driven (AI-based) governance system that is transparent and accessible to all Hindus.

They could even emulate successful governance models, such as the one implemented by Muhammadiyah. The leadership of PHDI (Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia) must embody a spirit of sacrifice, a simple lifestyle, dedication, integrity, and sincere service to the community—rather than viewing their positions as a stepping stone for personal ambition or fleeting, pragmatic interests.

“There is no need for trial and error; simply follow the models having already proven successful,” he suggested.

Muhammadiyah stands as one of the largest and wealthiest religious organizations in the world, with estimated total assets and wealth reaching between IDR 450 trillion and IDR 464 trillion.

The organization has successfully advanced education, managing between 5,000 and 5,345 schools or madrasas as well as approximately 170–172 higher education institutions (PTMA).

Furthermore, Muhammadiyah also operates over 122 hospitals and 231 health clinics spreading across various regions. It also manages hundreds of orphanages, around 440 Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), and thousands of mosques and prayer rooms (musala).

In addition, Muhammadiyah holds tens of thousands of waqf (endowed) land sites—recorded through its Asset Management Information System (SIMAM) as covering more than 21,000 hectares, or hundreds of millions of square meters.

Notably, underlying these vast figures is a core value passed down from generation to generation: the practice of living modestly and avoiding a culture of excess.

Suasta—who is also a world traveler and an active participant in various non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—hopes that the PHDI central leadership will be capable of building communication and networks that span across civilizations and nations. The institution should also be able to engage strategic and highly competent figures and organizations. (GAB/ART/001)