UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) held an iftar gathering with the Rector on Friday, Feb 27, 2026. The warm event was attended by members of the university leadership, representatives of student organizations, and the academic community. The Ramadan moment was used as an opportunity to strengthen relationships while reinforcing collaboration between university leaders and students.
Strengthening sense of family between university leaders and students
In his remarks, UNAIR Rector, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin emphasized that the iftar gathering was not merely a ceremonial agenda, but also a space to build genuine togetherness. “The iftar gathering serves as a moment of friendship to strengthen the sense of family between university leaders and students,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Student Executive Board (BEM) management that had completed their term of service and encouraged the new leadership to continue the tradition of constructive collaboration. “Hopefully, the new leadership can bring constructive ideas and become a strategic partner for the university in building an inclusive and progressive campus,” he added.
Ramadan synergy amid the era of disruption
The Ramadan sermon titled “Ramadan Synergy: Strengthening Ties and Collaboration to Realize a Great UNAIR” was delivered by Ustadz Ir. Misbahul Huda, MBA. In his sermon, he highlighted global changes characterized by the era of disruption and the VUCA conditions (volatile, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity).
“The world is changing. There are only two choices: transform and adapt, or remain still and gradually fall behind,” he emphasized.
He explained that institutions that survive are not necessarily the strongest ones, but those that are most adaptive. In that context, he encouraged the academic community to build synergy grounded in spirituality.
Spirituality as the foundation of adaptive leadership
According to him, Ramadan should not stop at rituals but should lead to spiritual transformation that influences professionalism and social benefit. “Spirituality is the ability to bring God into every place and every profession. God as a hidden stakeholder,” he explained.
He also emphasized that synergy means aligning visions to generate stronger collective energy. “Synergy happens when 1 + 1 becomes far greater than 2,” he said.
As the time to break the fast approached, the Rector reminded participants that UNAIR is a large academic family built on mutual trust and care. The togetherness of Ramadan is expected to strengthen ukhuwah while becoming a collective energy to bring blessings, achievements, and meaningful contributions to society. (*)
Author: Nafiesa Zahra
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
