UMKT Hosts Halal Bihalal, Strengthening Solidarity and Fostering Forgiveness Post-Eid

umkt.ac.id, Samarinda – To celebrate the spirit of Eid al-Fitr, Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur (UMKT) hosted a Halal Bihalal gathering for all faculty and staff on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Halal Bihalal is a unique Indonesian tradition where communities gather to seek mutual forgiveness and reinforce social bonds following the holy month of Ramadan.

The event, held in the Building E Auditorium, was attended by the chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of East Kalimantan and the Aisyiyah Regional Board of East Kalimantan. Also in attendance were the university's vice-rectors, heads of bureaus, deans, and the entire academic and administrative staff.

Themed "Spreading Forgiveness for a Sustainable Future," the gathering served as a moment of internal reflection and reconciliation. Suprayitno, Vice Rector for Al Islam, Muhammadiyah Studies, and Human Resources, emphasized that Halal Bihalal is a vital platform for clearing misunderstandings that may arise in the workplace.

"In the dynamics of our daily work and leadership, shortcomings and misunderstandings are inevitable. Through this momentum of Halal Bihalal, let us forgive one another and commit to self-improvement," Suprayitno stated.

He also took the opportunity to appreciate the university's rapid progress, noting that growing public trust in UMKT is a momentum that must be maintained collectively. "UMKT’s growth is the fruit of the tireless efforts and the immense spirit of the Muhammadiyah community. It is our responsibility to uphold this noble vision with integrity."

Siswanto, Chairman of the Muhammadiyah Regional Board of East Kalimantan, called upon the UMKT family to use the occasion to foster deeper humanity and solidarity. "This is not merely an annual ritual; it is a platform to purify our hearts. Accepting and seeking forgiveness is essential for the sustainability and solidarity of the Muhammadiyah movement," he remarked.

The event featured a spiritual reflection (tausiyah) by Arip Saripudin, Principal of SMA Istiqamah Muhammadiyah Samarinda. Arip encouraged attendees to view their time as a divine mandate. "Eid al-Fitr should be a turning point for us. Our time is a gift from God; let us use it to perform the best deeds that bring benefit to others," he highlighted.

The gathering concluded with a traditional gesture of reconciliation as participants exchanged handshakes and greetings, symbolizing a fresh start and a reinforced sense of community. The event ended on a convivial note with a communal lunch.

Ultimately, this Halal Bihalal provided an opportunity for the extended UMKT family to preserve Islamic values while strengthening their commitment to nurturing an excellent and virtuous future generation.

Author: Raisha Azzahro

Translator: M. Rafly Raihandy