EduAsiaNews, Jember – Universitas Jember (UNEJ) a Halalbihalal gathering for its extended academic community as a meaningful occasion to strengthen togetherness among its members while fostering a harmonious campus environment.
This annual event serves as an important moment for all elements of the academic community to exchange forgiveness and reinforce bonds of fellowship.
The Rector of Universitas Jember, Dr. Ir. Iwan Taruna, M.Eng., IPM., ASEAN Eng., expressed his gratitude for the unity that continues to be nurtured within the UNEJ community. He encouraged all members of the academic community to use the Eid al-Fitr moment as a starting point for comprehensive self-improvement, both as individuals and as part of the institution.
In his remarks, the Rector stated, “The momentum of Eid al-Fitr and Halalbihalal should be interpreted as a fresh beginning to return to our true nature, improve ourselves, and strengthen our unity as one extended family of Universitas Jember. The values we cultivated during Ramadan—honesty, discipline, patience, and compassion—must continue to be upheld in every aspect of our performance and service.”
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between performance achievement and the strengthening of institutional culture.
“The spirit of Excellence, Synergy, and Impact must remain our primary foundation. In this atmosphere of warmth, let us open our hearts to one another, strengthen communication, and build mutual trust, because Universitas Jember is not merely a workplace, but a shared home,” he added.
During the main session, Universitas Jember invited a guest speaker, Dr. Muhammad Muhib Alwi, S.Psi., M.A., Head of the Department of Psychology and Guidance Counseling at the Faculty of Da’wah, UIN KHAS Jember. In line with the theme “The Wisdom of Halalbihalal,” he emphasized that the deepest meaning of the tradition lies in the ability to sincerely forgive as a path toward inner peace.
“When a person is willing to forgive, they are not only resolving issues with others but also opening the way for themselves to attain inner tranquility. From that emerges sakinah, a profound peace within the heart,” he explained.
He further noted that ego, jealousy, and resentment often become major obstacles in building healthy relationships, both in personal life and in the workplace.
“The most difficult act is not merely forgiving, but praying for those who have hurt us. Yet it is precisely through this that we attain inner peace, which can even positively impact physical health and overall quality of life,” he remarked.
The Halalbihalal event concluded with the tradition of musafahah (handshaking) among all members of the Universitas Jember community, carried out in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The sense of togetherness was further strengthened during the closing social gathering session.
