International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Nurtures Togetherness and Spiritual Reflection Through Ramadan Iftar Gathering with Global Engagement Team and Campus Staff
Cirebon, March 5, 2025 — On the 5th of Ramadan 1446 H, the International Office (IO) of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon hosted a heartfelt iftar gathering to celebrate the spirit of the holy month. The event brought together Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D. (Director of International Office), along with his family, the Global Engagement Team (GET), and campus support staff including cleaning personnel, in an evening filled with warmth, togetherness, and gratitude. Hosted in a humble and familial setting, the gathering was more than a meal—it was a celebration of connection across professional and personal boundaries. Everyone was involved not just as attendees, but as active contributors. Meals were cooked and prepared collectively, reflecting the shared effort and genuine care that define the IOP culture.
The event opened with light conversation and warm greetings, followed by a meaningful kultum Ramadhan (Ramadan spiritual reflection), delivered by one of the GET members. The session touched on themes of sincerity, gratitude, and the value of serving through one's work and time. It wasn’t a lecture—it was a moment of sharing, where personal insights met spiritual values. For the International Office, the inclusion of such reflection symbolizes its broader philosophy: that global engagement must begin from within—through empathy, values, and humility.
Adding a unique twist to the evening, the group held a private screening of the premiere episode of Tamyiz, a creative and educational video series produced by a member of the Global Engagement Team. The series was met with heartfelt applause and admiration. Beyond entertainment, the screening sparked discussion about the role of creativity in religious and cross-cultural learning. The International Office fully supported this initiative as part of its commitment to empowering youth-led innovation within the university. This kind of creative collaboration reflects the IO’s vision to make education engaging, contextual, and transformative.
As the call to prayer echoed through the air, plates were passed, smiles exchanged, and hands raised in prayer. The iftar was a beautiful reminder of what binds people—not formalities, but shared humanity. Rice, sambal, soto, and fresh fruit were served with joy and laughter, prepared by the team earlier that afternoon. Everyone, regardless of position or title, contributed something—whether in the kitchen, on the mat, or in conversation. It was a moment of equality and warmth, rooted in faith and carried by sincerity.
For the International Office, this iftar was more than just a one-time event—it was an extension of its belief in community-based leadership. Building international programs and managing global partnerships requires not only vision, but compassion and trust within the internal team. Events like these create the foundation for authentic teamwork. “Before we invite the world in, we build our home first,” said Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., reflecting on the emotional meaning of the evening. His presence with his family underscored the personal commitment behind the office’s public mission.
The involvement of campus support staff, especially the cleaning personnel, made the moment even more special. Their presence wasn’t symbolic—it was fully integrated into the evening’s rhythm. They laughed, they ate, they listened, and they were listened to. That gesture, simple yet profound, embodied the core values of Islamic leadership: dignity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
As the night concluded, hearts were full—not only from the food but from the sense of unity that lingered. The International Office continues to show that internationalization is not just about mobility or MoUs—it’s about creating a culture of kindness, purpose, and presence. By blending spiritual reflection, creativity, and honest togetherness, UIN SSC’s International Office demonstrated what it means to live the values it represents. This was not a break from their mission—it was the essence of it.
Author: Resa Diah Gayatri