EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) strengthened character development among its academic community by commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, known as Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW 1448 H/2026, on Monday (Sept. 28, 2026) at the fourth-floor Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Auditorium at UPNVJ.
Held under the theme “Emulating the Character of Prophet Muhammad in Building a Religious, Integrity-Driven and Virtuous Bela Negara Generation,” the event served as an opportunity to reflect on how the Prophet’s exemplary values could be applied in academic and social life.
The commemoration featured Prof. Dr. K.H. Suwendi, M.Ag., a professor at UIN Jakarta, as the guest speaker. The event was attended by members of the UPNVJ academic community, including lecturers, administrative staff and students, as part of the university’s efforts to foster individuals whose character aligns with the values of Bela Negara.
The event began with participant registration, Quranic recitation, and the singing of Indonesia Raya, the Bela Negara March and the UPN Veteran March. The program continued with remarks from the organizing committee chair, who also serves as chair of the Mosque Welfare Council (DKM), followed by remarks from the UPN “Veteran” Jakarta rector, the recitation of prayers and Maulid Nabi, and a religious lecture.
In his sermon, Prof. Suwendi said the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday should not be viewed merely as a ceremonial event but as an opportunity to revive the Prophet’s exemplary values in everyday life.
“Emulating the Prophet means making good character part of our daily lives. Honesty, trustworthiness, responsibility, compassion and respect for others are values that must continue to be instilled, particularly among the younger generation,” Prof. Suwendi said.
He explained that advances in science and technology needed to be accompanied by stronger character development. Young people, he said, needed more than intellectual abilities; they also required integrity and strong moral character as a foundation for facing the challenges of their time.
“A strong generation is not only one that possesses knowledge and academic abilities but also one that has integrity and virtuous character. These values are essential foundations for building a healthy social, national and civic life,” he added.
Prof. Suwendi also linked the Prophet’s exemplary values with the spirit of Bela Negara in higher education. He said Bela Negara could be demonstrated through concrete actions, such as being committed to learning and working, maintaining honesty, respecting diversity and making positive contributions to society.
In line with the event’s theme, UPNVJ regards character development as an important part of its vision to produce graduates who are accomplished, professional and committed to the nation. Religious values, integrity and social responsibility continue to be strengthened as key elements of academic life on campus.
The event concluded with an interactive dialogue and question-and-answer session between the speaker and participants. The session provided members of the academic community with an opportunity to explore further the relevance of the Prophet’s moral values to the challenges facing today’s younger generation.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
