Pilgrimage to the Grave of Dr. Roelof Goris as Part of the Anniversary Traditions of the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University

• Posted by: Admin
• Jumat, 25 September 2026
• Has been read 9 time(s)

As part of the events marking the 68th anniversary and the 45th alumni anniversary (BK) of the Faculty of Humanities at Udayana University, the faculty organized a pilgrimage to the grave of Dr. R. Goris at the Mumbul Catholic Cemetery on Friday, September 25, 2026. The activity was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University, Prof. I Nyoman Aryawibawa, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., along with faculty members and student representatives.

This pilgrimage has become a long-standing, routine tradition held during every anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Humanities at Udayana University, serving as a tribute to the founders. The activity began with a community service clean-up action around the grave area of Dr. Roelof Goris.

Entering the preparatory session, the event was officially opened by the Coordinator of the Pilgrimage Section. In the opening remarks, the coordinator stated that this activity is a tradition and a manifestation of respect for Dr. Roelof Goris as a pioneer and main supporter of the establishment of the Faculty of Letters, which was formerly part of Airlangga University. The event continued with the lighting of candles and incense as a symbol of respect for Dr. Roelof Goris, followed by prayers conducted according to Catholic traditions, aligning with the beliefs adhered to by Dr. Roelof Goris. The agenda proceeded with a reading of the late figure's brief biography. Dr. R. Goris was born in Krommenie, North Holland Province, on June 9, 1898, to Jakobus Goris and Hilagonda Johanna. He was a prominent archaeologist, anthropologist, and cultural expert who dedicated most of his life to researching culture, ancient history, and epigraphy in Bali, while holding a crucial role as one of the founding figures of the Udayana literature campus. The core pilgrimage procession was then filled with flower-strewn rituals and the laying of a wreath by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities alongside the participating members.

On that occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University, Prof. I Nyoman Aryawibawa, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., delivered a speech before the pilgrimage participants. He emphasized the importance of this activity as a form of devotion to the pioneers of the faculty where the academic community currently resides and studies. "He is one of the founders of the Faculty where we work and you, the younger generation, study. Frankly speaking, as the dean, it is certainly my duty to continue what he and the other founders have built," he stated. He also added that his presence today was an absolute necessity despite his extremely busy schedule. He stated that this pilgrimage is not merely an annual ceremonial agenda, but a tangible manifestation of respect, devotion, and gratitude to Dr. Roelof Goris as one of the main figures behind the establishment of the Faculty of Letters. At the conclusion of his speech, he expressed his utmost gratitude to the committee for scheduling this activity and to all parties who participated.

Through this event, the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University is expected not only to preserve the tradition of honoring its founders but also to make the pilgrimage an opportunity for the entire academic community to reflect on and remember the values of struggle, dedication, and the academic foundations established by their predecessors.