Entering its 107th series, the Wedangan IKA UNS takes on the theme of ‘Idulfitri and Purity of Heart Towards Madani Society for Advanced Indonesia.’ The speaker presented in this session was the Director-General of Population and Civil Registration, Prof. Dr. Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, who is also the Deputy General Chairman of IKA UNS. Attending the event was the Chairman of IKA UNS, Ir. Budi Harto, M.M., and the Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho. In his remarks, Ir. Budi Harto hopes that with the coming of Eid al-Fitr can increase people’s piety to Allah SWT. In addition, he also informed the participants that on May 29th, the IKA UNS would be hosting IKA UNS Halal bi halal at Hotel Sahid, Jakarta. The Chair of IKA UNS hopes that alumni can attend the event because the current conditions have allowed for community gatherings.
Meanwhile, the Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, said that in Indonesia, there were two common traditions during Eid al-Fitr. The first tradition is mudik (t/n: visiting family at hometown). He said that this year there was a surge in the number of travelers because the government had given a leeway for the citizen to return to their hometowns. “The second tradition is silaturahmi (t/n: friendly meeting). It has tremendous power. For a whole week, we will still be surrounded by the spirit of cheerfulness. Including for this evening’s event,” said Prof. Jamal.
In his material, Prof. Zudan said that many nations are experiencing disputes because their communities cannot maintain their carnal desires and anger. “India, for instance. Back when Britain colonized India, India was a vast country, especially before its independence. And since Pakistan and Bangladesh had not been liberated to be separate countries, India held the title of the country with the largest population. Now, China is the country with the most population, with about 1.4 billion, then followed by India with 1.3 billion citizens,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s population is currently around 220 million, and Bangladesh has approximately 160 million population. Therefore, if the three countries are combined, they will be the most populated country. “When liberated by Britain, Pakistan does not want to be left behind. So, the Hindus joined India, and the Muslims came to Pakistan. If Indonesia’s condition in 1945 was similar to that, then there would not be Indonesia as it is today with various diversity,” he added.
Prof. Zudan emphasized that Indonesia’s diversity is an extraordinary blessing. “This is the extraordinary part that needs to be taken care of, with a clean heart, clear mind, and good intentions to contribute to the motherland,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti