UNDIP, Semarang (December 31, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has demonstrated its dedication to implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in education and community service, through the Al-Qur’an teaching movement called Gerakan Mengajar Al-Qur’an (GEMA)4.0 program initiated by the Community Social Affairs Division of LDK Insani UNDIP. Through this initiative, students serve in remote villages, taking an active role in educating the nation’s future generations through da’wah outreach and Qur’anic literacy, nurturing a generation that understands Qur’anic knowledge.
This program serves as a platform for students to spread the light of the Qur’an within communities. Guided by the slogan “Cahaya Qurani, Terangi Generasi” (Qur’anic Light, Illuminating Generations), GEMA has been running for four years as of 2025. This year, GEMA adopted the theme “Educating Future Generations with the Light of the Qur’an to Build Islamic Character and Master Knowledge.”
GEMA 4.0: From Semarang to Remote Areas of Central Java
Since its first implementation in 2022, GEMA has grown into a program that consistently creates social impact in education red zones where unequal access to education remains a significant challenge.
- GEMA 1.0 (2022): Pucung Village, Semarang Regency
- GEMA 2.0 (2023): Genikan Village, Magelang Regency
- GEMA 3.0 (2024): Girimulyo Village, Magelang Regency
- GEMA 4.0 (2025): Kedawung Village, Temanggung Regency
This program provides Muslim UNDIP students an opportunity to implement the Tri Dharma of Higher Education while gaining meaningful community service experience. In 2025, GEMA 4.0 involved 29 UNDIP students, led by Rofa Farnanda (Law Studies, Class of 2024) as Program Chair, with Muhammad Farhan Syahdaffa (Naval Architecture, Class of 2022) serving as the Steering Committee Head of the Community Social Affairs Division of LDK Insani.
Deployment took place on August 2–18, 2025, in Kedawung Village, Temanggung. Prior to deployment, volunteers conducted surveys to determine suitable villages based on school numbers, teacher–student ratios, socio-economic conditions, and other indicators.
Training and Pre-Deployment Preparation
Before departure, the Young Qur’an Teachers (GEMA volunteers) underwent two training sessions with experienced educators and da’wah practitioners. The training provided teaching skills, communication competencies, and spiritual reinforcement to prepare them for field challenges.
Volunteers also participated in microteaching sessions to assess readiness and build confidence. As an initial step, GEMA 4.0 conducted Teaching Simulations at SDN 03 Pedalangan, TPQ Nurul Islami, and Al-Quds Mosque. These pre-deployment activities served as both practice and early contributions to communities around the campus.
GEMA 4.0: 17 Days with the Kedawung Community
For more than two weeks, volunteers lived among residents of Kedawung Village, Temanggung Regency. Activities included:
- Elementary School Teaching (SDN Kedawung): Conducted Monday to Saturday over two weeks, involving creative academic lessons, habituation of Asmaul Husna, and intensive coaching for MAPSI competitions, scouting, and the Paskibraka team. A Student Art Performance was held on August 16, 2025.
- TPQ Teaching in Four Hamlets: Daily sessions in Sidono, Kedawung, Sigeblok, and Sirandu, covering Qur’anic recitation (talaqqi), tajwid, etiquette, articulation points (makharij al-huruf), writing and recitation, daily prayers, Islamic morals, pillars of Islam and faith, prophetic stories, memorization of short surahs, children’s speech training, and adhan practice. On August 10, an outdoor Qur’anic reflection (Tadabbur Alam) was held.
- Mosque Empowerment: Included mosque cleaning, congregational prayers, Friday charity programs, khutbah delivery, poster installation, mosque inventory donations, adhan duties, and participation in communal prayer nights. The activities were carried out on August 8 and 15. In addition, volunteers also put up prayer posters, donated mosque inventory, acted as call to prayer officers, and participated in activities with residents.
- Literacy Empowerment: School library improvements were completed by August 13, with book donations on August 5 and reading assistance during Indonesian language classes. In addition, volunteers put up prayer posters, donated mosque inventory, acted as call-to-prayer officers, and participated alongside residents.
- Donation Distribution: Conducted in stages, including aid for the underprivileged (August 11), gifts for TPQ students and teachers, distribution of Qur’ans (including Braille Qur’ans) and prayer equipment (August 14), and clothing donations (August 15).
Through the GEMA to Nature (GEMA ke Alam / GKA) program on August 17, volunteers also learned directly from the community, including the traditional processing of Temanggung Robusta coffee, reflecting stewardship of nature as mandated in Qur’anic teachings. The residents of Kedawung demonstrated how coffee is processed from planting to post-harvest, a process marked by challenges but also by the values of patience and perseverance.
From this experience, the volunteers realized that every coffee bean produced is a tangible manifestation of humankind’s mandate as caliphs on earth to manage nature wisely, as conveyed in QS—al-A’raf verse 56, which forbids humans from causing damage to the planet after Allah has repaired it. Thus, preserving this farming tradition is not merely an economic matter, but a form of gratitude and a spiritual obligation to return to harmony with nature.
Meaning, Challenges, and Achievements
For children, GEMA offered newfound confidence in reading the Al-Qur’an. “Mbak (sis), now I can read Surah Al-Ikhlas without stuttering…” said a child with a broad smile—a small achievement but one with deep meaning.
For volunteers, it served as a life school fostering patience, leadership, and brotherhood. Challenges such as limited facilities and cultural adaptation were overcome through teamwork and the Kedawung community support.
Key Achievements of GEMA 4.0:
- Improved Qur’anic literacy and Islamic character among over 100 children.
- Enhanced understanding of tajwid, Qur’anic writing, memorization, daily prayers, and Islamic morals.
- Distributed hundreds of books, Iqra’, prayer equipment, and Qur’ans to those in need in Kedawung Village.
- Assisted dozens of underprivileged families in the form of necessities, rice, and donations of Muslim clothing (clothes, headscarves).
- Distributed food in the Jumat Berkah program to the Kedawung Village residents.
- Increased community enthusiasm for religious education and literacy.
The response from the community and elementary school children in Kedawung Village was overwhelming. They warmly welcomed us, eager to share the benefits of education with them. The children enjoyed the visits from GEMA volunteers. They became more engaged in their studies, gaining new experiences, new knowledge, and more. They became more active in both formal and informal learning, leaving a beautiful legacy.
Evaluation and Outlook for GEMA 5.0 (2026)
While achieving its primary goals, evaluations highlighted the need for stronger collective responsibility in funding, improved coordination with local stakeholders, and more adaptive curricula.
Looking ahead to GEMA 5.0, the program aims to expand village outreach, extend deployment duration, increase funding through sponsorships, and develop sustainable mentoring systems to ensure lasting community impact.
With strong community and student enthusiasm, GEMA continues to grow, supported by generous partners including Lazis Jateng, Digbook Semarang, IZI, Human Initiative Jateng, Badak LNG, Mika Store Semarang, and Rumah Zakat Jateng.
Through these efforts, GEMA aspires to extend its reach beyond Central Java, spreading the light of the Qur’an across Indonesia. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
For more information, visit Instagram @mengajarquran or @insaniundip for information on activities and open recruitment for the next period. (Public Communication/UNDIP/LDK Insani UNDIP ed. As3)
