UNDIP, Semarang (April 14) – Universitas Diponegoro held a Halal Bihalal event themed “Strengthening Bonds, Realizing a Noble and Valuable UNDIP” on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Muladi Dome, UNDIP Tembalang Campus. The event was attended by university leadership, lecturers, staff with additional duties, and student representatives.
The event began with a greeting and handshaking procession among the academic community as a symbol of mutual forgiveness and to reinforce bonds following the month of Ramadan. This session was followed by a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, specifically Surah Ali Imran (verses 133–135), which convey messages about the virtues of forgiveness, controlling anger, and remaining steadfast in goodness.
In his address, UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., emphasized that Halal Bihalal is not merely an annual tradition but a strategic moment to strengthen the values of unity and integrity within the campus community. “It is hoped that all members of UNDIP’s academic community will become individuals of greater dignity, both in scholarly pursuits and daily conduct, and be able to contribute real benefits to society,” he stated.
Prof. Suharnomo also highlighted Halal Bihalal as a noble cultural heritage rich in meaning, especially in the context of Eastern high-context cultures, as described by Edward T. Hall. He acknowledged that within layered communication systems, information blockages or even potential abuse of power may occur. For this reason, he reaffirmed UNDIP’s commitment to fostering a healthy and open collaborative environment.
“On behalf of myself, my family, and Universitas Diponegoro, I extend my sincerest apologies for any shortcomings, whether in words or actions in daily life, including any unsatisfactory services from the Rectorate. We are committed to continuous improvement and to building a noble and valuable UNDIP through harmonious collaboration,” he concluded.
The event culminated in a tausiyah (religious sermon) delivered by K.H. Abdurrohim Al Muhsin. In his reflections, he emphasized the importance of maintaining strong social bonds and good relations with others as part of efforts to strengthen brotherhood, bring blessings to life, and use Halal Bihalal as a moment of reflection to pursue goodness in everyday life continuously.
“Maintaining ties strengthens longevity and brings abundance. Amid today’s challenges, our strength lies in harmonious and supportive relationships. UNDIP, as an educational institution, must be a model in building a civilization founded on noble character,” he said.
K.H. Abdurrohim also encouraged the academic community to instill spiritual values in every academic and social activity. “Proper manners must accompany knowledge. A campus is not just a place to gain knowledge but also a place to shape character,” he added.
The event was further enlivened by a performance from students of the Faculty of Humanities who were members of the Sambat Budaya Music Orchestra, who performed meaningful religious songs, adding to the warm and familial atmosphere.
The 2025 Halal Bihalal at UNDIP was a meaningful occasion to strengthen unity among campus members and reaffirm a shared commitment to making Universitas Diponegoro a distinguished, noble, and valuable educational institution for the nation and society at large. (DHW)
