UNDIP, Semarang (6/3) – The Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of Universitas Diponegoro held a grand religious gathering themed“Fasting and Health,” featuring a health practitioner and Islamic preacher, dr. Zaidul Akbar, as the keynote speaker. The event was attended by the Rector, the board, members of Dharma Wanita Persatuan UNDIP, students, teachers from Permata Early Childhood Education (PAUD), and TPQ teachers from the Tembalang area. The event took place at the Muladi Dome Multipurpose Building on the UNDIP Tembalang Campus on Friday, February 6, 2026.
The Advisor of Dharma Wanita Persatuan UNDIP and Rector of UNDIP, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., warmly welcomed the members of Dharma Wanita Persatuan and other guests attending the event. In his remarks, the UNDIP Rector explained that in management science, there is a concept known as the law of consciousness, which refers to awareness. This awareness includes recognizing that fasting is an act of worship, that reading the Qur’an brings blessings, and that every good deed during Ramadan brings multiplied rewards. There is also the law of action, which relates to actual behavior.
“Often, awareness and desire do not align with action,” said the Rector. However, he encouraged participants to truly practice what they intend during Ramadan, such as regularly reading and completing the recitation of the Qur’an. He also emphasized the importance of remaining istiqomah (consistent) in learning, studying religious knowledge, and performing good deeds. God, he noted, will elevate the status of those who believe and possess knowledge, as stated in Surah Al-Mujadalah verse 11. “Hopefully, the knowledge we possess—including religious knowledge—will not only benefit ourselves but also benefit others,” he added.
The Chairperson of Dharma Wanita Persatuan UNDIP, Dewi Widayani Suharnomo, stated that the grand religious gathering aimed to strengthen both faith and immunity while providing health education for DWP UNDIP members. “We hope that the participants attending today will be able to observe fasting in a healthier, more balanced, and blessed way, while also encouraging greater concern for orphaned children,” said Dewi Suharnomo.
In his presentation, dr. Zaidul Akbar, widely known for promoting the JSR (Jurus Sehat Rasulullah / Prophetic Healthy Living Method), explained that fasting is not only an act of worship but also beneficial for health. The alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine, UNDIP, explained that during fasting, the body undergoes metabolic adjustments that allow it to utilize stored energy and provide an opportunity for a “reset” or recovery process.
According to him, managing eating patterns during Ramadan is key to ensuring that fasting has a positive impact on health. He emphasized the importance of consuming natural, nutritious foods during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking the fast), while avoiding excessive or oily foods. He also recommended reducing the consumption of refined sugar and wheat flour, as excessive intake can cause metabolic disorders, spikes in blood sugar levels, and increase the risk of obesity.
Healthy eating habits and fasting can also improve both mental and physical well-being while reducing the risk of various diseases. Specifically for fruits and vegetables, dr. Zaidul Akbar recommended consuming them whole rather than juiced, as chewing stimulates digestive enzymes in the mouth. He also encouraged people to consume more fresh, peeled foods rather than packaged foods.
The gathering took place in a warm, interactive atmosphere, allowing participants to discuss and ask questions about maintaining a healthy lifestyle while observing the fast.
On this occasion, DWP UNDIP also assisted 48 orphaned students who are KIP scholarship recipients, 38 orphaned children of UNDIP lecturers and staff, and provided appreciation support for 38 teachers of Permata PAUD UNDIP and TPQ around the UNDIP Tembalang campus. Yeti Yan Wisnu, Chair of the Organizing Committee, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in making the event successful. “Thank you to all donors, sponsors, and guests. A total of 800 participants attended the event,” she concluded.
This activity will strengthen both faith and immunity, while bringing blessings and benefits through sharing with the surrounding community and society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Ut ed. Nurul)
