Ciamis, April, 25 2026 – Two lecturers from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Department of Intercultural Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dr. Stedi Wardoyo, S.S., M.A. and Dr. Sri Pangastoeti, M.Hum., served as speakers in a Community Service Program (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PkM) held at Universitas Islam Darussalam (Unida) and Pondok Pesantren Darussalam, Ciamis.
The event, titled “Religion and Morality in Japanese Society,” took place in Meeting Room 208 of Universitas Islam Darussalam from 10:34 a.m. to 12:11 p.m. and was attended by approximately 50 participants, consisting of university students, lecturers, and school students from Universitas Islam Darussalam and Pondok Pesantren Darussalam.
During the session, Dr. Stedi Wardoyo and Dr. Sri Pangastoeti compared religious values in Indonesia, particularly Islamic values, with socially based moral values in Japan, such as maintaining harmony in society. Both speakers also invited participants to reflect on the differences between these two moral systems, especially in their practical implementation in everyday life.
The discussion, which lasted around one hour and thirty-seven minutes, highlighted similarities between the two moral frameworks at the conceptual level, while also revealing disparities in their social practice. Participants showed strong enthusiasm throughout the event and actively raised questions, particularly regarding real-life cases that reflect gaps between moral values and social practices, such as theft, corruption, and other social issues.
Together with the audience, the speakers also discussed the possible impacts and long-term consequences arising from inconsistencies between moral principles and actual social behavior. The dynamic discussion reflected the participants’ strong interest in the intercultural theme presented during the program.
This community service activity represents UGM’s ongoing contribution to sharing intercultural perspectives with academics, students, and the wider community. Dr. Stedi Wardoyo expressed his hope that the comparison would encourage deeper reflection on individual morality. Meanwhile, Dr. Sri Pangastoeti hoped that understanding morality would not remain merely personal, but would also be practiced in everyday life to create a more positive impact on individuals, families, society, and the nation.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to both speakers by representatives of Universitas Islam Darussalam and Pondok Pesantren Darussalam as a token of appreciation for the knowledge and insights they had shared.
Author: Ahmad Affandy Ainurridho Zulkifli
Editor: Barra Taura Nursaid
