Haflah Ikhtitam at UNU Jogja: Santri Graduated, Pesantren Values Strengthened as Student Foundation

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — The Student Pesantren of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama (UNU) Jogja held its Haflah Ikhtitam ceremony by graduating 12 santri at the Raden Mas Djatmiko Mosque, UNU Jogja, on Monday, November 24. The ceremony marked the completion of the pesantren’s educational and character-building program undertaken by the students during their stay in the institution.

Edy Musoffa, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Student Pesantren, emphasized that the graduation was not merely ceremonial, but a reaffirmation of the pesantren’s commitment to nurturing students with strong scholarly grounding and noble character. “We hope the graduates will carry pesantren values into society, become individuals of benefit, and continue contributing to da’wah and community empowerment,” he said.

In his remarks, UNU Jogja Rector Widya Priyahita Pudjibudojo underscored that the Student Pesantren is an essential pillar of UNU Jogja’s educational ecosystem. He noted that the pesantren serves as a formative space for integrity, spirituality, and student leadership. “UNU Jogja is committed not only to academic excellence but also to character formation. The Student Pesantren plays a crucial role in shaping well-rounded graduates who are ethical and ready to contribute,” he stated.

Vice Rector for Pesantren Affairs and Social Transformation, Abdul Ghoffar, added that the pesantren’s programs are designed to align with the needs of young Muslims in a rapidly changing era. He highlighted that pesantren graduates are expected to blend campus-level intellectual capability with the ethical and spiritual grounding provided by the pesantren. “Students must be prepared for the demands of the times, and the pesantren offers a strong foundation of spirituality and ethics to support that,” he explained.

The ceremony proceeded solemnly with a khataman recitation, speeches, and collective prayers. Graduating Santri also received recognition for their discipline, academic growth, and contributions to pesantren activities.

The Haflah Ikhtitam serves as the closing of the year-long pesantren program and marks a new chapter for the graduates as they continue to serve both the campus community and society at large. [Latifah]