Occupying a former parking lot, the six houses of worship represent the six religious faiths recognized in Indonesia: At-Taqwa Mosque (Islam), Grha Layanan Kristen Church (Protestantism), Santo Petrus Catholic Church (Catholicism), Vihara Dhamma Sasana (Buddhism), Pura Widya Santika (Hinduism) and Kelenteng Kebajikan Agung (Confucianism).

Vice President Ma’ruf Amin officiated the houses of worship in a ceremony attended by Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, noting that the close vicinity of the religious buildings was a reflection of religious tolerance and mutual respect between religious communities.

“But more than that, [the houses of worship] also facilitate interfaith coordination and cooperation, so as to become a unifying force for the nation,” he said.

With support from both the university and its patrons, five houses of worship were constructed in late 2021 with the exception of At-Taqwa Mosque, which was completely restored and rebuilt in 2018. The mosque itself was built by the Amal Bakti Muslim Pancasila Foundation in 1991, undergoing the renovation process to accommodate the rising number of Muslim students and faculty members at the university.

While the houses of worship are considered part of Pancasila University’s facilities, they are also open to the general public. However, public use is only allowed with the university’s permission so as to prevent scheduling clashes with student and faculty activities, as well as to maintain strict health and safety procedures during the pandemic.

The initiative is headed by Pancasila University Education and Trustee Foundation (YPP UP) chairman Siswono Yudo Husodo, who based the initiative on the values of Pancasila, including diversity of culture, language and faith.

Pancasila University rector Edie Toet Hendratno said in his opening speech that as Indonesia had designated the philosophy of Pancasila as the country’s foundation and world view, Pancasila was a vital component in uniting the country’s diverse communities by providing a basis for laws, norms, values and way of life.

“The six houses of worship symbolize a House of Diversity, where both academics and local communities will be able to build interfaith relations in harmony. This will serve as a place to learn how to strengthen human relations, maintain tolerance and unity, hold discussions to reach a unified decision, as well as fairness for all,” he concluded.

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