Tangerang. The National Seminar 2026 held at Pelita Harapan University (UPH) in Tangerang on Wednesday reaffirmed the importance of the family as the foundation of national unity amid increasingly complex social dynamics and shifting values. The event was part of the National Christmas 2025 series themed “God Is With Us to Save the Family” (Matthew 1:21–24).

The seminar, held at the Grand Chapel Auditorium on UPH’s Lippo Village main campus, drew more than 2,000 participants both in person and online, reaching UPH campuses in Medan and Surabaya. Attendees came from diverse backgrounds, including UPH academics, students and teachers from schools under the Pelita Harapan Education Foundation, members of the Lippo Group community, the general public, and media professionals.

In his opening remarks, UPH Rector Dr. (Hon.) Jonathan L. Parapak, M.Eng.Sc., stressed that the family is the primary foundation of life, including education. Through education, the family serves as the first space for character formation, values, and faith, guiding each member to grow holistically and responsibly within society. He expressed hope that the spirit of Christmas would be felt and lived out by families across the country.

“Through education, UPH seeks to continue playing its role as God’s instrument in bringing hope and positive impact to the nation,” he said.

From a policy and national development perspective, Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait, S.I.P., who also serves as chairman of the National Christmas 2025 committee, underscored the importance of concrete actions rooted in truth, justice, and shared prosperity.

“That commitment is reflected in various social initiatives throughout the National Christmas 2025 series, ranging from the distribution of 1,000 education packages worth Rp10 million each across multiple regions, the renovation of 100 churches, the distribution of 20,000 food aid packages in 10 areas, the construction of two bridges in Papua, the distribution of 30,000 Bibles nationwide, to assistance for natural disaster victims,” Maruarar said.

He also expressed hope for the emergence of a new generation willing to stand for truth and justice.

“May we all become children of God who uphold truth and justice, whatever the risks,” he said.

The social commitment was further marked by the symbolic handover of five ambulances sponsored by Astra International to five interfaith institutions: Istiqlal Mosque, HKBP Perum Green Cikarang Service Post, the Diocese of Bogor, the Graha Yadnya Foundation, and the Jejak Peduli Foundation. With the handover, the total number of ambulances distributed by the National Christmas 2025 committee reached 35 units.

Reflecting on the Role of Family, Faith, and Education in National Unity

The National Seminar 2026 featured two prominent speakers: Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and Dr. (H.C.) James T. Riady, founder of the Pelita Harapan Education Foundation. Both invited participants to reflect on the strategic role of family, faith, and education as the foundation for developing well-rounded, competitive Indonesians and as a unifying force amid rapid change.

In his presentation, Prof. Brian stressed that education plays a crucial role in preparing high-quality human resources. Mastery of technology, he said, is no longer optional but a fundamental necessity for future generations. He also highlighted the importance of sustainable human resource management, with educators serving as the key drivers of the process.

“Educators are at the forefront of shaping the quality of human resources. From their hands emerge generations ready to face the challenges of the times. Well-managed education will form a strong foundation for adaptive, competent, and competitive human resources,” Prof. Brian said.

Dr. James, meanwhile, shared his personal journey of realizing that life is not measured solely by achievements and reputation, but by one’s willingness to win the hearts of family members. From that reflection, he concluded that true change begins with self-renewal—living differently, more responsibly, and rooted in liberating truth.

“A strong nation is born from strong families. When family relationships are strained, it is not the end of everything. Do not lose hope, because every difficult situation opens an opportunity for restoration,” Dr. James said.

Seminar coordinator Rev. Prof. Binsar Jonathan Pakpahan, Ph.D., emphasized that the family plays a central role in shaping character and strengthening faith. For that reason, the National Seminar 2026 was intentionally held in a university setting such as UPH, which is seen as a strategic space to reconnect family values with younger generations and reinforce the understanding that education begins at home.

“Universities must be spaces to discuss family values, resilience, and faith. From campuses, we want to build a strong foundation for Indonesian families going forward,” Prof. Binsar said.

Praise and Thanksgiving for God’s Faithfulness

Beyond the seminar, the event also featured a special reflection session expressing gratitude for God’s guidance in Dr. James’ life journey. During the session, he invited participants to reflect on the essence of Christian service and faith through a story from the Gospel of Luke about a paralyzed man who had lived for years without hope. The story, he said, reflects the limitations of human perspectives that are often bound by what is visible.

Dr. James noted that miracles of healing are not merely acts of compassion; forgiveness of sins lies at the heart of Jesus’ mission. He linked this reflection to the role of education, particularly at UPH.

“Through education, UPH not only develops intellectual capacity but also touches and restores people as whole human beings. I hope that both the church and education in Indonesia will continue to be filled with compassion, with Christ at the center of life and ministry,” he said.

The National Seminar 2026 served as a space for reflection that reaffirmed the family’s role as the foundation of national unity, while inspiring future generations to glorify God through tangible actions that bring blessings to Indonesia. This commitment aligns with UPH’s vision of shaping outstanding leaders who fear God, are professional in their calling, and have a real impact on the nation.