Medan, February 17, 2026 — The Master’s Program in English Education of UIN North Sumatra held a warm and meaningful Punggahan Gathering on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. WIB. The event took place at Lalapan Pojok Raya Restaurant and was attended by lecturers and administrative staff of the program. Conducted in a spirit of togetherness and reflection, the gathering served as a spiritual and communal preparation ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Punggahan tradition, widely observed in various Indonesian communities, is more than simply sharing a meal together. It represents a moment of reflection, reconciliation, and strengthening bonds before entering Ramadan. In the context of the Master’s Program in English Education, the event became an opportunity to foster solidarity among members of the academic community while nurturing spiritual readiness for the upcoming month of fasting.
The atmosphere throughout the gathering was warm, relaxed, and filled with a sense of family. Participants sat together without formal barriers, engaging in friendly conversations, sharing stories, and strengthening personal connections beyond academic routines. The informal setting at Lalapan Pojok Raya Restaurant created a comfortable environment where lecturers could interact openly and meaningfully.
In his remarks, Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, M.Hum., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in English Education, expressed his appreciation for the presence and enthusiasm of all participants. He emphasized that the Punggahan gathering was not merely a social event but an important spiritual and emotional preparation for Ramadan.
“Punggahan is a meaningful tradition that reminds us to pause, reflect, and strengthen our bonds before entering the holy month of Ramadan. In our academic environment, togetherness and harmony are just as important as intellectual growth,” he stated.
Maslathif, Ph.D., further highlighted that a strong academic community is built not only through research, publications, and classroom activities, but also through mutual respect, empathy, and shared values. According to him, moments like this allow members of the program to cultivate sincerity, humility, and gratitude qualities that are essential for both personal and professional development.
“As educators, we carry intellectual responsibilities, but we also carry moral and spiritual responsibilities. Ramadan offers us an opportunity to purify our intentions and strengthen our commitment to excellence, service, and integrity,” he added.
The gathering also served as a space for reflection on the program’s collective journey. Participants discussed academic progress, upcoming research activities, and plans for future collaboration, all within a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. The sense of openness and camaraderie reinforced the idea that academic excellence flourishes best within a supportive and cohesive community.
Throughout the event, the spirit of inclusivity was evident. Lecturers and staff members interacted naturally, demonstrating the program’s commitment to maintaining a collegial and respectful academic culture. Smiles, laughter, and heartfelt conversations filled the venue, reflecting genuine appreciation for shared experiences.
The Punggahan concluded with collective prayers, asking for blessings, guidance, and strength in carrying out academic duties and religious observances during Ramadan. The smooth and orderly execution of the event reflected the strong coordination and mutual cooperation among members of the program.
By organizing this Punggahan gathering, the Master’s Program in English Education reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing not only intellectual achievement but also spiritual growth and emotional well-being. The event highlighted the importance of balancing academic rigor with personal reflection and community values.
As Ramadan approaches, the entire academic community of the program expressed gratitude and hope. The gathering became a reminder that the campus environment is not solely a place for academic pursuit, but also a space where meaningful human connections are formed and strengthened.
The Punggahan Gathering on February 13, 2026, concluded successfully, leaving participants with a renewed sense of unity, gratitude, and spiritual readiness. With hearts prepared and relationships strengthened, the Master’s Program in English Education community now looks forward to welcoming the holy month of Ramadan with sincerity, optimism, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement in both worship and academic endeavors.