Success Story of Ahmad Shofiyuddin Selling Es Mokel During Ramadan in Tulungagung

 Ramadan is a special moment where people seek blessings, including seeking fortune from selling takjil (refreshments) as an occasional business opportunity. While some choose to sell in stores, some opt to sell by the roadside, just like Ahmad Shofiyuddin, a student from UIN SATU Tulungagung who sells es mokel near his campus.

Some people ask why he chose the name es mokel. It turns out that he was inspired by the word "mokel," which means breaking the fast. Yet, he's only selling it during iftar. It just so happened that the name aligns well with Ramadan. "It's clear that when breaking the fast, people crave sweet drinks. So, I sell delicious es mokel to attract more buyers," Ahmad said.

He invested Rp. 300,000 as startup capital for his es mokel business and earned twice the amount every day. His location is convenient enough, right around his campus. Therefore, it's no surprise that he gets approximately 40 visitors or more every day.

To surpass the competitors, his es mokel must have a delicious taste with an affordable price. It consists of various fruits, jelly, and leci-flavored Marjan syrup to make it even more delightful. Unlike regular fruit ice, each ingredient is separate. Apparently, this is the secret of his successful es mokel business.

Original Source: https://kabartulungagung.com/banyak-yang-suka-mokel-salahsatu-mahasiswa-uin-satu-tulungagung-ambil-peluang-bisnis

Feminism in Indonesia: The Fight for Equality and Justice

 Have you heard about the feminist movement in Indonesia? The movement arose due to social constructs that restrict women’s movements and impose negative stigmas on them. For example, the association of colors with gender or the classification of occupations that limit women’s opportunities.

However, the feminist movement is not about reversing the roles of men and women, or oppressing men. In actuality, the movement aims to fight unjust systems like patriarchy. In Indonesia, the feminist movement began in the 1960s and became an issue during the new development era of the 1970s.

One famous figure in Indonesian feminism is R.A Kartini. She was a courageous woman who defied the highly patriarchal colonial system. In the biography “Panggil Aku Kartini Saja” by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, we can see Kartini’s struggles and high spirit in fighting for women’s rights.

But, behind her bravery were also many injustices that she had to face. We can see this from her school days, where it was very difficult for women to receive education during colonial times. Girls were not even allowed to leave their homes, much less attend school.

From here, we can observe that women were considered weak and uneducated. However, this fact only motivated Kartini to fight for education. Her journey was not easy though, as she faced discrimination like racial discrimination that claimed native skin and intellectuality were inferior to the colonizers’.

Kartini had to go through a period of seclusion and could not continue her studies at HBS as she wished. During this time, Kartini had a deeper reflection and was forced to understand issues that were not deemed her job. Nevertheless, she remained strong and did not give up.

Upon completing her seclusion period, Kartini regained her freedom. In another chapter, we can see that Kartini also paid attention to the lives of common people and their poverty. She observed feudalism within her own society and rejected the notion that it only belonged to the elite class.

Therefore, Kartini fought for education for her society and corresponded with her European friends. Even their letters were compiled by Mr. J.H. Abendanon and published with the title “Door Duist”.

That’s a bit of a glimpse into the feminist movement in Indonesia and its figures like R.A Kartini. Apart from Kartini, there are many other remarkable women in Indonesia who fight for women’s rights and against unjust systems.

The feminist movement is not about oppressing or overpowering men. It aims to create equality and justice between men and women in various aspects of life.

However, the struggle for women to achieve equality still faces many obstacles and challenges. There are still negative stigmas and stereotypes about women that makes the feminist movement relevant to this day.

Therefore, let us support the feminist movement and continue to fight for a world that is fair and equitable for all genders. Every person deserves to achieve their dreams and potentials without being hindered by discrimination and injustice.

A New Concept of Love: Gabriel Marcel's Perspective on Relationships and Identity

 We all agree that love is an important thing in life, right? Love makes us feel alive and calls us to interact with others. But according to Gabriel Marcel, love is more than just being physically present. Love is actually about being fully present as a new individual in our interactions with others.

However, it's important to remember that love isn't just about functional interactions, but status as well. When we interact with others, we often use the words "I" and "they". But when we start to feel like "we", that means our relationship with that person becomes more special and unique. Marcel's concept of love is complex because "we" isn't just a complement to the interaction, but a new identity formed through interactive communication with others.

Interactive communication makes relationships more complex and different from regular "I" and "they" relationships. We give meaning to each other, making our communication more active and continuous. The concept of "we" isn't just about unity, but also understanding and shared feelings.

But what happens to the concept of "we" when one of us dies? According to Marcel, "we" is eternal. So even though the components of "we" are no longer together, the feelings and memories we share still exist forever. Death only becomes a hindrance to our interaction with others in this world, but not the end of our relationship with them. We can still connect with the people we love through the memories we share.


Original Source: Original Source: https://www.buletinaufklarung.com/2023/03/gabriel-marcel-cinta-dan-perpisahan.html

Is Ontology Still Relevant? Exploring Martin Heidegger's Perspective

 Is ontology too old-fashioned and outdated to be discussed nowadays? That's a question that might come to mind when thinking about this philosophical concept. Ontology, originating from ancient Greece, aims to answer the question of "what exists" in the universe. However, this topic is still being constantly questioned today and can even create problems for those discussing philosophy.

But, there is one famous philosopher named Martin Heidegger who approached ontology from a different perspective. He argued that we cannot solely view ontology as a formal or theological study, but must view it from a broader, objective perspective. Heidegger also emphasized that ontology is important to us because it not only deals with the existence or being of objects, but also with human beings themselves. He coined the concept of "Da Sein" to refer to human existence, but also explained that humans are connected with one another, referred to as "Mitsein."

So, in essence, ontology is still relevant. Despite its origins in ancient Greece, ontology can help us understand the existence of objects in the world, as well as the relationship between humans and others. Don't be afraid to explore topics that have been around since the time of our ancestors, as it may lead to unexpected new perspectives and ideas.

Ecological Feminism and Women's Role in Advocating for Environmental Sustainability Discussed at HM-PS AFI UIN SATU

 Wow, recently the Student Association of Aqidah and Islamic Philosophy Studies (HM-PS AFI) at Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah State Islamic University (UIN SATU) successfully held a momentous discussion event! The event had the theme "Ecological Feminism: Women’s Role in Advocating for Equality and Environmental Sustainability". It was amazing! The discussion was held under a shady tree located behind the rectorate building. How cool!

The event was attended by several students who found the discussion to be cool and comfortable. Cut Hillary, one of the participants, expressed that the venue was different from typical discussion places such as warungs (food stalls), classrooms, and terraces. Wow, what an exciting new place for discussions!

The discussion started from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and was conducted in a conducive manner. Two speakers were invited to be the main sources of information: Dian Meiningtias, a writer from Nggalek.co and Rizka Hidayatul Umami, a coordinator from GUSDURIAN Bonorowo. They discussed the ecological feminism movement and the role of women in advocating for equality and environmental sustainability.

In the discussion, Umami explained that the spirit of the ecological feminism movement originated from the concerns of feminist leaders about the deteriorating environment. Excessive exploitation of nature has forced humanity to embrace the richness of nature as a way to protect and care for the environment.

There's also the Chipko movement, which began in India in the 1970s. The movement was born as a form of protest against environmental exploitation in India. The term "Chipko" comes from the word "hug" or "attach," which describes the movement's efforts to protect nature from over-exploitation and destruction in the Uttar Pradesh region of India.

Dian also discussed women's roles in the family. Women are more involved in household chores such as cooking, washing, and taking care of babies. In relation to this, there is a bigger problem with finding a source of water. We all know that water is the most important commodity for life, and women are often the first victims of environmental damage.

In this discussion, it's not just men who are responsible for protecting the environment. According to Umami, all humans have the same responsibility to maintain environmental integrity.

The discussion was very exciting! This event was one of a series of activities organized by HM-PS AFI UIN SATU in response to International Women's Day and International Forest Day in March. Hopefully, this discussion can provide insights and awareness about gender equality and environmental awareness, to create a better environment for all.

Positive Habits for a Long and Healthy Life: Lessons from Personal Experiences

 Well, you know, human lifespan has been predetermined by Allah from the beginning. However, we still have an obligation to strive to live a healthy and balanced life. Just be consistent. And once we put in our best effort, then the results are in Allah's hands.

I once had a conversation with some people about the secrets of long and healthy life. They were teachers, farmers, lecturers, and bus crew members. All of their stories were based on personal experiences.

According to these individuals, there are some positive habits that can make our lives healthy and long. Firstly, waking up before dawn. It's difficult, but it's said to be good for our health.

Secondly, taking a shower in the morning after waking up. It refreshes the body and eliminates fatigue. Thirdly, keeping up with religious practices. In addition to physical and social needs, spiritual aspects are also very important for life stability.

Fourthly, maintaining good relations with others. There was a friend of mine who shared a story about his grandfather who was very fond of socializing and remained energetic even in old age.

Fifthly, physical activity. Don't be lazy. Take the time to exercise so that sweat comes out and fat can be burned. Lastly, avoiding overeating. Once we're full, we should stop. Some people even like to fast regularly, saying that it's good for our health.

That's about it for their stories. Although not all of it aligns with scientific knowledge about health, I think there's some positive value to making our lives healthier and longer. Hopefully, their experiences can inspire all of us.

Original Source: https://www.spirit-literasi.id/2023/03/kunci-kunci-hidup-sehat.html

Writing a Book as a Busy Lecturer in Indonesia

 Did you know that writing a book is a serious challenge for lecturers in Indonesia? In addition to managing the tri dharma (teaching, research, and community service), lecturers are given additional tasks that can sometimes be overwhelming. If they don't have proper time management skills, lecturers may not have time to write a book. Their energy and mind are consumed by everyday activities, leaving no room for writing.

The reality is that lecturers often struggle to write a book. It’s no surprise that there are critiques on their productivity. If this continues, many lecturers may lose the opportunity to write a book. This is unfortunate, isn't it?

We have heard criticisms about the productivity of lecturers in writing books. But is criticism enough? Apparently not. We need tangible actions to make a change.

We often long for something that we don't have. For instance, when we are busy longing for leisure time, but when we finally have it, we are confused about what we should do with it. But the lack of productivity in writing a book involves many factors. It's not just about time, but also strong commitment to writing.

Therefore, we can make a commitment in writing, even amidst our busy schedule. Who knows, with this commitment, we can continue to be motivated to write and produce meaningful works. Let's try it!

Writing a book cannot be done instantly. It takes time and perseverance to develop words into a meaningful work. But don't worry if time feels limited and schedules are full because writing one page per day is already a good start.

By diligently writing one page a day, in just one hundred days we can create one hundred pages. We just need to do the editing and refinement afterward. Of course, this requires commitment and consistency to achieve the target of writing one book in one semester.

Aside from setting aside specific time for writing, utilizing time wisely is also important. All challenges can be faced with enthusiasm and a determined effort. So let's start writing our book now!

Writing a book can be a fun and freeing activity for our mind. When we write, we have the opportunity to express our ideas and thoughts freely. This can also be an opportunity to learn new things and broaden our horizons.

We can learn from successful authors to create a productive writing culture. Even though they may be busy with work and other activities, they have found ways to continue writing and producing works. For them, writing is no longer an obstacle, but a challenge that can be overcome.

Therefore, if we want to write a book, let's not allow busyness to become an obstacle. Make writing part of our culture, and don't be afraid to start. Who knows, our work could inspire others.


Original Source: https://www.kompasiana.com/ngainun-naim.berbagi/641d5a8c4addee0d844af3c2/komitmen-dan-konsisten

Insights on Developing Institutions from a Focus Group Discussion with the Director of Islamic Higher Education

 It's the second day of Ramadan, guys. At the beginning, it's a bit difficult to adjust to this new routine. But hopefully, we can adapt quickly and carry out the fasting smoothly.

Yesterday was a long weekend, which would've been ideal to rest longer at the start of the fasting period. However, unfortunately, some of us had to work. So it was quite a hectic day.

But, I had a Focus Group Discussion with the Director of Islamic Higher Education, which was quite a relaxing event. I found some inspirational insights for developing institutions.

Lately, I've been in the habit of taking notes of important points from any activity, be it a religious lecture, discussion, or Friday sermon. Sometimes, I jot them down in my note-taking app, and sometimes on paper. But these notes can be very helpful as references later on.

At yesterday's event, Prof. Dr. Maftukhin, M.Ag shared some essential things about institution development. Firstly, human resources must be of high quality. Therefore, efforts to increase the number of doctorate holders and professors are continuously being made. Secondly, infrastructure is also crucial to support student needs. Thirdly, inter-institutional collaboration should also be maintained. Fourthly, financial management must be well-handled. And fifthly, general study programs should also be developed.

Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Zainul Hamdi, M.Ag spoke about several essential points. Firstly, institutional transformation presents its challenges but can also be an opportunity for further growth. Secondly, digital transformation should also be quickly embraced. And thirdly, internationalization is also crucial to staying competitive globally.

In essence, we must stay enthusiastic and productive during the fasting period. Hopefully, we can carry out the fasting smoothly and successfully. Amen!

Original Source: https://www.spirit-literasi.id/2023/03/hari-kecepit-dan-inspirasi-pengembangan.html

The Paradox of Growing Wealth Disparity During the Pandemic in Indonesia

 Hi there! How are you? Today, we're going to talk about the surprising fact that the number of bank account owners with a balance above IDR 1 billion is actually increasing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This situation can be considered as an irony that reflects the national economic orientation that seems to prioritize growth over quality and tends to favor only a few wealthy individuals.

According to the Rector of Widya Mataram University Yogyakarta, Prof. Dr. Edy Suandi Hamid, MEc, the contraction situation that occurred during the pandemic should have made it difficult for many people economically. However, the reality is that account owners with large balances have emerged during this pandemic period.

Not less than 317,772 bank account owners with an IDR 2 billion balance and 110,892 account owners with an IDR 5 billion balance appeared in 2020. Meanwhile, in 2021, there are around 312,385 account owners with an IDR 2 billion balance and 117,198 account owners with a total balance of IDR 5 billion.

We cannot ignore the fact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had many negative impacts on many aspects of life. However, if we look at it from this perspective, there is something quite surprising. Hopefully, we can learn from this situation and create better policies for the benefit of all, not just for the benefit of a few wealthy individuals.

However, this situation also shows an increasingly widening gap between the rich and the poor in Indonesia. Many people still do not have bank accounts and have difficulty fulfilling their daily basic needs. The Gini Ratio of Indonesia has increased from 1964 to 2021, indicating a higher level of expenditure inequality.

According to Prof. Edy Suandi Hamid, the growth of wealthy individuals in Indonesia during the two years of the pandemic is actually higher than the three years of normal periods before. This indicates that the level of inequality in Indonesia is getting worse because the growth of wealth among the rich is much greater than that of the poor.

The root of the problem actually lies in a low-quality growth system pursued by the government. Policymakers still apply growth policies based on old theories, such as the trickle-down effect theory embraced by the New Order. However, this model is no longer effective in addressing social and economic inequalities in Indonesia.

According to Prof. Dr. Nurhayati Rahman MS, the very apparent inequality between the rich and the poor shows an erosion of local values ​​related to humanity and justice. Values ​​such as empathy and solidarity are starting to fade from society, causing many people to suffer.

To overcome this problem, there needs to be a reorientation in development that focuses on the majority's interests, namely the grassroots economy. Hopefully, policymakers can change their policies and improve the economic situation in Indonesia to become more fair and equitable for all people.

Original Source: original source: https://lldikti5.kemdikbud.go.id/home/detailpost/masa-pandemi-melahirkan-ribuan-pemilik-rekening-gendut#

Madin BTA: Safeguarding Trust in Guarding the Qur'an through the Annahdhiyah Method

 Exciting news! UIN Raden Fatah Palembang is adopting the management of Ma'had Al-Jami'ah based on the model of UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung. They have conducted numerous studies there to learn about the management of Islamic boarding schools, especially in terms of teaching non-resident students.

This year is a year of proof for UIN Raden Fatah Palembang, especially for its Islamic boarding school. They will gradually implement the methods of UIN SATU Tulungagung, with a focus on madrasah education, particularly in teaching Quranic reading and writing (BTA). To realize this, they are collaborating with Rabithah Ma'ahid Islamiyah (RMI) of South Sumatra Province, led by K.H. M. Syarief Chumas Asy-Syawaly.

After the signing of the MoU, RMI South Sumatra immediately moved quickly by bringing in the management of Ma'had Al-Jami'ah UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung and LP Ma'arif Tulungagung as speakers and instructors for Quranic reading and writing education using the Annahdhiyah method. Hopefully, this plan will be successful!

During the MoU ceremony between UIN Raden Fatah Palembang and RMI, K.H. M. Syarief Chumas Asy-Syawali spoke loudly, saying that this MoU is a heavy responsibility in preserving the Quran. He also said that we must have a commitment to succeed in this program with a spirit of teaching and loving the Quran. He also said that we must follow the successful Annahdhiyah method in Tulungagung to achieve success in this program.

There was also a representative from Ma'had UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung who explained the management of Ma'had Al-Jami'ah, the pattern of interaction between the Islamic boarding school and partner institutions, and the obligations of partner institutions. He also emphasized the importance of commitment from all parties to ensure the success of this program.

Then, there was an instructor of the Annahdhiyah method from LP Ma'arif Tulungagung who taught directly in the classroom. The participants were very enthusiastic about following the activities from beginning to end. In summary, this BTA madrasah program is a remarkable step and must be carefully maintained to ensure its success. If it fails, it could have a broad impact on the Islamic boarding school and UIN Raden Fatah's policies related to the existence of this program.

Original Source: https://uinsatu.ac.id/berita/1861-serius-tangani-madin-uin-raden-fatah-palembang-rmi-wilayah-sumatera-selatan-dan-tim-mahad-uin-satu-tulungagung

Training for Ormawa Leadership and Religious Moderation at UIN SATU Tulungagung

 Recently, a fantastic event was held in GreenSA Hotel, Sidoarjo, attended by the Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer of all Ormawa representatives from UIN SATU Tulungagung. The event was themed "Upgrading Leadership and Religious Moderation Training for Ormawa UIN Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah Tulungagung 2023", with the tagline "Unleashing potentials, Building Leadership Character, Towards a Civilized Campus". It is such an impressive and meaningful theme!

According to Muniri, the chief organizer, this event was important to enhance the spirit of leadership and religious moderation among the students of UIN SATU Tulungagung. The event commenced with the opening ceremony, followed by leadership and religious moderation material presented by Amirudin Kuba, the Head of Student Affairs Section at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Indonesia.

On the second day of the event, several significant materials were presented. First, there was a socialization of Ormawa guidelines for 2023 presented by Nur Kholis, the Head of Academic and Student Services Sub-Division. He explained the guidelines for organizational letters, as well as the guidelines for facility management and the distribution of Student Activity Units (UKM) facilities.

Moreover, there was a material on the evaluation of Plans and Budgets for State Agencies (RKAKL) and Activity Report Preparation presented by representatives of the financial administration section of the Rectorate. This material discussed the scheme for the submission of student organization funding to the Rectorate, including funding allocation and the deadline for fund absorption in one period.

However, there was a slight hindrance with the implementation of the Soft Skill Character Building training, which was supposed to be conducted from 10.00 AM to 2.30 PM. The facilitator had not yet arrived at the designated time, so the event continued with Sharing Ormawa and Socialization Program of the Student Senate (Sema) and Executive Student Council (Dema) as a replacement. Despite difficulties, the event ran smoothly and provided many benefits to the participants.

Even though there were some obstacles and a slightly disorganized schedule, the Upgrading Organization of Student Activity Units (Ormawa) received positive feedback from the participants. Besides enhancing knowledge of organizational management and funding request to the rectorate, the participants also received soft skills training and were taught how to be responsible leaders. Although there was a little bit of inactivity from some participants, everything went well and was concluded earlier than scheduled. In essence, the participants of the Ormawa upgrading event returned home with abundant knowledge and experience useful for developing their organizations in the future.

It must have been an exciting event! Let us hope for more exciting events like this in the future!

Solidarity Actions for Pakel Village's Agrarian Struggle: Film Screening and Public Discussion to Address the Arrest of Local Farmers

 Here’s a news update from Pakel Village, Licin, Banyuwangi! The agrarian conflict that is happening there is getting support and solidarity from many people, including those from Tulungagung. It all started with the arrest of three Pakel residents, namely Mulyadi, Suwarno, and Untung by the East Java Regional Police (POLDA JATIM) in Rogojampi. They were arrested when they were going to attend a village head association meeting on Friday (3/2).

It's great that there are lots of support and solidarity actions, which were manifested in a "Film Screening and Public Discussion" event at Loka Kopi on February 24th, 2023. There were two films shown, "Love Letter from Pantura" and "Pakel: Agrarian Struggle in Banyuwangi". The event was initiated by the Gigi Berkawatn community, and it was attended by three key speakers, Harun, Sri Maryati, and Taufiqurochim from TEKAD GARUDA. In addition, there were representatives from the Segara Student Activity Unit (UKM) from the Islamic University of Kadiri (UNISKA) and several solidarity comrades from Blitar who attended in person.

The event started at 3:00 PM and began with a documentary film screening of "Love Letter from Pantura" followed by "Pakel: Agrarian Struggle in Banyuwangi". These documentary films are important to raise awareness of the agrarian conflict and to foster solidarity towards the struggle of the Pakel community who are facing land seizure. It was a really exciting and engaging event!

During the event, we discussed the fascinating history of the agrarian conflict, the experiences of the village residents in fighting for their land rights, and the dark notes regarding the legal violations that had occurred there.

Unfortunately, there was also some bad news that three Pakel farmers, namely Mulyadi, Suwarno, and Untung, were arrested by the East Java Regional Police on charges of violating Law No. 1/1946 on the criminal act of spreading fake news that incites unrest. The fake news was related to Suwarno's claim as the heir of Pakel residents based on the appointment certificate named Sri Bginda Ratu on January 11th, 1929, which is questioned for its legality.

However, there are some who denied that the statement was false. According to Taufiq as a legal representative of Pakel, there are several administrative documents that show that the 1929 agreement was approved by legal officials during colonial times and still holds legal standing. Although it must be processed under the current agrarian laws, Taufiq believes that the government did not provide protection to Pakel residents at that time.

Meanwhile, in the midst of the discussion, there was sudden news about the arrest of three farmers from Pakel who were accused of spreading false news and causing unrest. It's unusual because the unrest mentioned was not directly related to the three farmers.

Apparently, there was a clash that occurred between the residents and the police due to the disputed land. Police forces suddenly entered Pakel Village, which triggered a conflict with the residents. Finally, violence and clashes erupted. This incident was the actual cause of the unrest, not the false news accused toward the three farmers.

Again, it seems like a matter of ignorance and unprofessionalism from those who are responsible. The arrest of the three farmers was not even accompanied by clearly defined documents and assignments. It is indeed very disappointing. Even though the Pakel residents have fought tirelessly to protect their land from PT. Bumi Sari, many have become victims of violence and even kidnapping.

Thus, a film screening and public discussion was held to address the issue. It is hoped that the community can stand in solidarity and uphold the truth so that justice can be achieved for the Pakel residents who were criminalized.

One participant even expressed hope that the three farmers who were declared suspects would be released and that there would be no more criminalization in Pakel or elsewhere. The event was then concluded with performances from the participants, who conveyed their solidarity. It was really amazing!

Lessons from the Tegawangi Temple's Relief: The Sincere Request of Kunti to Ra Nini for Help in the War Against the Kauravas

 The story of the Tegawangi Temple's right front stairs is always fascinating to listen to. One of them is the scene of "Kunti's Request to Ra Nini to Help the Pandavas in the War Against the Kauravas".

In this scene, we can see how sincere Dewi Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, is in asking for help from Ra Nini, also known as Dewi Durga or Bhagawati. This goddess has tremendous power and is highly respected by many people.

In the relief image, we can see the figure of Dewi Uma or Parvati, who was cursed by Her husband, Lord Shiva. She turned into a giant and was even sent from Kaindran to the world, precisely in Ksetra Gandhamayu.

However, Kunti did not falter and still pleaded with Ra Nini to help the Pandavas in the war against the Kauravas. It was a difficult request, but it came from the heart of a mother who was truly sincere.

From this story, we can learn that when we have a strong and genuine determination, even the impossible can become possible. And sometimes, we need to seek help from a greater power, like Dewi Ra Nini, to face life's challenges. Hopefully, this story inspires us all.

A Journey in the World of Education: From Focusing on Islamic Education to Finding Strategies to Educate Pious Children

 Hello... nice to meet you, readers! Do you like discussing about education issues? Well, I have quite a long experience in the field of education. During my undergraduate studies, I majored in Tarbiyah Faculty and learned a lot about educational sciences.

Until now, I am still interested in reading education books and journal articles, especially those related to Islamic Studies. In the past, I focused on Islamic education and read intensively books such as National Education Reconstruction, Becoming an Inspirational Teacher, and Educational Communication.

Although I now write more about Islamic Studies, I still keep up with the latest trends in the field of education. Since I work as a lecturer, I am still actively involved in the world of education.

Besides, I am also involved in several activities, such as being a manager of the Madrasah Committee at MAN 2 Tulungagung. I am also a supervisor for the IKAPPMAM organization in Tulungagung Branch at Mam'baul Ma'arif Islamic boarding school in Denanyar Jombang, as well as several other institutions.

Oh yeah, I also like to take notes on the results of lectures or sermons that I attend. I collect all of them and turn them into something beautiful. One of my notes is about how to educate children to become pious. The source is from the sermon by KH. Syamsul Abadi Al-Hafidz.

In his lecture, he offers five strategies to educate children to become pious. First, when there is a guest, we should try to serve food. This is not just about opening our hearts to others, but also related to the behavior of parents to be charitable and not stingy. So, our children can also learn to share.

Second, we must prioritize Allah's command above everything else. This is easier said than done, but at least we must continue to strive to teach this to our children.

Third, do not think too much about our own children's lives. As parents, our duty is to provide the best education. Fourth, no parents have succeeded in educating their children alone. We need the help of others to carry out this task well.

Finally, the strategy offered by KH. Syamsul Abadi is to make regular spiritual efforts. This is related to the importance of reciting dhikr (remembrance of Allah) so that there will be help from Allah for our children.

Well, even though this is just one perspective out of many, I think these strategies can be used as a reference for parents and educators in educating their children.

What do you think, friends? Let's share your experiences and ideas about the world of education too!

Original Source: https://www.spirit-literasi.id/2023/03/tirakat-orang-tua-dan-pendidikan-anak.html

Kundala: Visual Traces of Ear Accessories in the Past and Present.

 One popular fashion accessory is earrings or "suweng/giwang" in Indonesian. In the past, the Sanskrit term "kundala" was used to refer to earrings. Although this term is no longer commonly used in Old Javanese, Central Javanese, New Javanese, or Indonesian, Kundala is an accessory worn on the earlobe to enhance one's appearance. In the past, there were two types of accessories for the ear: "sumping" and "kundala". Sumping was placed between the earlobe and the side of the head, while Kundala was placed at the bottom tip of the earlobe.

Earring visual traces have been found in Nusantara since the Hindu-Buddhist period and after. Archeological sculptures and temple reliefs are important sources of data to trace the variety of forms, materials, ways of wearing, and functions of Kundala/studs in the past.

There are various forms of Kundala, including those that are quite large and heavy. Although not all types of Kundala are put in the pierced hole, circular Kundala of large size and weight that are placed in the pierced hole can speed up the formation of long earlobes for the wearer.

Long earlobes are not only found among Dayak ethnic groups but have also been found in Javanese men. Although the archaeological traces of large round earrings and their way of use can still be found in Singhasari or Majapahit era sculptures, young male figures such as Punk, Slenk, Rockers, etc. still wear large round earrings that resemble Kundala.

So, the use of Kundala not only occurred in the past but still exists today. Although not commonly used as in the past, this ear accessory remains a choice to add style and self-confidence for its wearers.

M. Dwi Cahyono

Sangkaling. 28 Februari 2023

Griyajar CITRALEKHA