darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, August 4, 2025 | 08.00 AM
News Writer: Usth. Putri Levia Septi Hidayati S.Pd.
The cool morning breeze welcomed hundreds of students and teachers from SMP NU Darul Ma’arif and SMA NU Kaplongan as they gathered in the spacious field of *Darul Ma’arif Islamic Boarding School for the weekly flag-raising ceremony on Monday, August 4, 2025. However, this particular Monday marked more than just a routine gathering — it delivered a heartfelt campaign for unity and community spirit within the pesantren.
The ceremony was led by Mr. Faisal Hasri, Director of Darul Ma’arif, who used the moment to launch an internal campaign focused on strengthening the sense of brotherhood, compassion, and mutual support among students. With the Indonesian flag fluttering against the morning sky, Mr. Faisal’s speech offered a strong emotional appeal that deeply resonated with everyone in attendance.
“We Are One Brotherhood, One Family,” Standing at the podium, Mr. Faisal spoke a powerful speech. His core message was clear: unity is the foundation of success in any educational and spiritual journey. He emphasized, “Our bond is sacred. We are one brotherhood, one family. When we act as one with kindness and support each other, we are fulfilling a common bond.”
The message was not merely ceremonial—it served as the launch of an institution-wide campaign on character-building and unity, scheduled to run for the next three months until November 2025. The campaign will feature a series of activities, including group mentoring, student discussions, collaborative dorm projects, and inter-class competitions designed to foster teamwork and empathy.
The Campaign Timeline and Programs
The unity campaign, formally titled “Santri Bersatu, Pesantren Kuat” (United Students, Strong Pesantren), will unfold in three key phases:
- August 2025 – Awareness Phase: Introduction of the campaign values through speeches, bulletin boards, social media posts, and discussions led by musyrif and musyrifah.
- September 2025 – Action Phase: Launch of classroom projects, dorm cooperation programs, and character workshops focused on empathy, active listening, and group collaboration.
- October–November 2025 – Reflection and Recognition Phase: Students will reflect on their progress, and outstanding contributors to unity and kindness will be publicly recognized in a special appreciation day.
This timeline reflects Darul Ma’arif’s structured and serious approach to embedding Islamic values in daily life—not only through academic instruction but through character development and a culture of care.
Public and Internal Response
Initial responses from teachers and students have been overwhelmingly positive. Ms. Lina Kurniawati, a teacher at SMP NU Darul Ma’arif, stated, “The speech really moved me. In this age of digital distraction and individualism, it’s refreshing to hear a message that centers on collective growth and empathy.”
Ahmad Faiz, a class 11 student, said he felt proud to be part of a pesantren that prioritizes both intellectual and emotional education. “Sometimes, we get caught up in personal struggles, but this reminds us that we’re never alone. That’s powerful.”
Students from different classes expressed eagerness to participate in the upcoming activities. Bulletin boards in several dormitory halls have already been decorated with motivational messages, team mottos, and unity-themed posters, showing how the message is taking root on a grassroots level.
Support from Local Education Stakeholders
The message of unity also aligned with the local education authority’s goal of improving the emotional intelligence and social responsibility of students in Islamic schools across Indramayu. Representatives from the Education Office of West Java have expressed interest in observing the progress of Darul Ma’arif’s campaign, seeing it as a potential model for other Islamic boarding schools in the region.
Mr. Faisal, in his follow-up remarks, stated that the ultimate target of this campaign is not only to promote harmony within the boarding school but also to prepare students to become emotionally resilient leaders in their communities. “Education without compassion produces knowledge without soul. Our vision is to raise scholars who are not only brilliant but also kind.”
A Symbol of Togetherness
The ceremony concluded with the flag hoisted high, waving proudly above the campus. It became more than just a symbol of national identity—it was a banner under which every student and teacher stood united, reminded of their shared mission.
The simple act of raising a flag, coupled with the call to unity, became a powerful statement. At Darul Ma’arif, the message is loud and clear: They are not just a school—they are a family, bound together by a sacred promise to support and uplift one another.
Hopefully, this powerful speech have a positive impact and inspire a spirit of togetherness among the entire academic community of Pondok Pesantren Darul Ma’arif.