The Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, said that this year’s event was quite different because it was conducted in a new building, while in the previous years, the annual Silaturahmi event was held at the UNS Auditorium. Nevertheless, Prof. Jamal asserts that the essence of this event remains the same. “Silaturahmi (fellowship) meet up is a noble part of our tradition. Silaturahmi conducted after the Ramadhan fasting by visiting and forgiving each other is a typical Indonesian Silaturahmi model that cannot be found in other countries. This Silaturahmi model can touch our hearts,” said Prof. Jamal.

Further, Prof. Jamal invites UNS academic members to use this moment to forgive each other and strengthen the fellowship at UNS. Prof. Jamal also revealed that this Eid Silaturahmi (often known as halal bi halal) is not only intended for Muslim academics but also to be celebrated by other religious followers. For this reason, Prof. Jamal invites the audience to strengthen fellowship in the midst of diversity. This objective can be achieved by actualizing good actions toward each other. “This is the time for us to engage in collaborative development under the UNS symphony in solidarity. An effort that will bring progress and serenity in worshiping, working, and learning, to nurture the academic members’ understanding and realization of the importance of unity, diversity, and coexistence. All of those will become energy and synergy to create a symphony of togetherness for all of us,” he added.

This annual event also invited Ustadz H. Agus Ma’arif, Lc., M.M., to deliver a tausyiah. In his tausiyah, the ustadz, who graduated from Cairo, Egypt, emphasized the importance of a balance between the relationship with God and the relationship with others. A balance between these two aspects becomes an important key in living a human life in this world. He also advised strengthening mutual collaboration. “Differences should not be the reason for separating distinction between us. Differences must exist but not as a means to distinguish and create a border between us,” advised H. Agus.

Moreover, he also conveyed the three best deeds that can be done to be a person with God’s blessing. First, to build a relationship (silaturahmi) with the people who broke communication and relationship with others. Second, to forgive those who revile and slander others. Finally, to help people who have never helped themselves. H. Agus said that these three charities are difficult to do. However, hard does not mean impossible. These practices are feasible as long as you wish to get closer to God. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post First Working Day After Eid Holiday, UNS Academic Members Held Silaturahmi appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

The new clothing on the feast day is one of the symbols of victory for the Indonesian people. The symbolism encourages people to buy new clothes before Eid. Not only clothes, but the community also buys Mukena (praying robe) and Sarong to wear during Eid. This increase in clothing purchases certainly presents a huge advantage for traders. The turnover obtained by clothing merchants in times like these can increase up to twice as much. However, such tradition has the potential to harm the environment.

As the demand for clothing increases, the production units upstream will use more raw material resources. This situation will pose a threat, namely an increase in textile waste. Meanwhile, the downstream or the sales unit will experience a large overflow of second-hand clothes. These second-hand clothes need extra care to be resold. This extra treatment can be a cleansing process that requires a considerable amount of detergent, which can increase the level of fashion waste in the environment.

The environmentalist of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Dr. Prabang Setyono, M.Si., responded to this phenomenon. According to Prof. Prabang, the symbolic value behind the new clothing culture in the Eid celebration has a positive meaning. In practice, however, it must be balanced with a wise attitude in dressing patterns. “The culture actually has a good symbolic meaning, only the physical meaning does not have to involve new clothes, instead of good condition clothes that have been stored for a long time, yet have not been worn or rarely worn,” said Prof. Prabang, Saturday (30/4/2022).

I Have Purchased New Clothes, What Should I Do?

For people who have bought new clothes, Prof. Prabang provides several solutions to solve this concern. The professor in Environmental Pollution science advises the community to use a decent-clothing circular system. This system worked as the distribution of clothes that are considered too small or no longer trendy but still decent for people in need. Instead of discarding, this circular distribution system will not generate textile material waste from unused clothing. “For those who have bought clothes, they can distribute their old clothes to a business unit or shelter for decent clothes suitable for donation to other users, hence promoting sustainable clothing cycle,” added the Head of the Environmental Science Undergraduate Program UNS.

Meanwhile, a circular economy system must be applied to clothes that are no longer decent to wear and is considered garbage. The clothes can be sold to producers that use waste fabric as their raw material. Pieces of clothing can be converted into fillets or household property fillers such as sofa chairs and cushions.

In line with the children’s song “New Clothes,” released in the 90s, the Eid celebration did not have to be celebrated with new clothes but with the purity of heart to welcome an essential victory. Alhamdulillah, there are new clothes. We’ll wear it on holiday. Without new clothes it still okay. There’s still the old one. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post Welcoming Eid Celebration, UNS Environmentalist: Beware of Increased Garment Waste appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

Through the Eid prayer sermon that coincided with National Education Day (Hardiknas), Prof. Jamal conveyed the importance of pursuing education and learning in Islam. “Islam strongly upholds education because it holds a huge significance to consider. Education is a duty entrusted by God, which must be carried out by a Muslim to become a smart person,” he said.

Prof. Jamal again explained that pursuing education is an obligation for a Muslim. Therefore, parents must ensure that their children’s education is fulfilled. “Our children will be the pedestal of hope for the future generation. If our children are not educated and are abandoned, then there will be huge losses. Even Islamic religious education will fade and wither. How important education for children is, since all children are born fitrah,” he explained.

Parents hold the duty to shape the child’s personality to grow into an intelligent, virtuous, and pious person. “Children can grow up to be misguided and stupid if parents do not pay attention to their children’s education,” he concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetyo
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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