Hiroshima — As part of the international short course program at Hiroshima University, delegates from Faculty of Da‘wah and Communication Studies (FIDIKOM), UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta — Rahmi Nur Azizah (Master’s in Da‘wah Management) and Siti Nurlailah Syadiah (Master’s in Islamic Communication and Broadcasting), had the opportunity to take part in one of Japan’s most historic moments: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, which this year marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing.

The ceremony, held on Wednesday (August 6) at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, was attended by representatives from various countries, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Australia, and many others. The event began at 8:00 a.m. local time in an atmosphere of solemn reflection. At exactly 8:15 a.m. — the moment the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945 — all participants observed a silent prayer, followed by the tolling of the Peace Bell, symbolizing prayers and hopes for a world free from violence.

In his address, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui stated:

“At this peace memorial ceremony, marking 80 years since the atomic bombing, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the souls of the victims. We renew our determination to work together with Nagasaki and with like-minded partners around the world to achieve humanity’s long-cherished goal—the elimination of nuclear weapons and the realization of everlasting world peace.”

Following the ceremony, the delegates visited the Peace Memorial Museum, where they studied the history of the tragedy and viewed the preserved artifacts. For the participants, the experience offered a profound lesson on how the people of Hiroshima have chosen not to remain bound by the past but to move forward while safeguarding historical memory. A symbol of this commitment is the Peace Flame, which will continue to burn until all nuclear weapons are abolished worldwide.

The day’s program concluded with the Peace Lantern Floating Ceremony in the evening. Hundreds of lanterns, inscribed with messages and prayers for peace, were set afloat on the river—a powerful visual reminder that the light of peace can continue to shine even in a world once engulfed by the darkness of war.