OKeKe Al-Zaytun, Walking Revolution of Health, Discipline, and Love for the Country
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS.COM – Sunday morning, June 8, 2025, the clear sky covered the calm and beautiful Al-Zaytun campus. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the implementation of the Continuous Teacher Training attended by thousands of participants from various circles—students, university students, educators, to representatives of guardians of students—there was one activity that was never absent, namely Okeke, Al-Zaytun’s signature leg fitness sport.
This was reported by Jaya-News.com Contributor, directly from the location, Sunday, June 8, 2025.
This is where the value of a healthy culture is not just a recommendation, but has become a collective ritual that is integrated into the pulse of campus life. Even though there is a big event that drains the energy and concentration of many parties, Okeke continues. Not displaced, not defeated, but instead walking side by side, complementing each other.
Okeke: More Than Just Sports
The term Okeke—short for Olahraga Fitness Kaki—was popularized by Syaykh Al-Zaytun as a new approach to instilling a simple yet fundamental healthy culture. The philosophy is very strong: the feet are the mainstay of human activity. If the feet are healthy, the body can work optimally, and enthusiasm is boosted.
And walking is the most easily accessible sport for anyone, no need for expensive equipment, no need for a special room. However, the health benefits are extraordinary. At Al-Zaytun, this activity is not only for students, but is an obligation for the entire academic community, from teachers to leaders.
Every Sunday morning, thousands of people pour out to start Okeke from the Palangan Agung soccer field area, the starting point which also serves as a place for a joint warm-up. Then, participants follow a path of almost 7.5 km or around 12,000 steps to the north gate of the campus. This path is completely closed to vehicle traffic. This is what is worthy of being called “The Real Car-Free Day”—not only free of vehicles, but also full of meaning, discipline, and values.
Health, Nationality, and Togetherness in One Step
What makes Okeke special is not only the number of participants, but also the atmosphere created. The line of participants walked orderly, especially the students who were guided to walk neatly in a three-by-three formation while singing national songs. Songs such as Bangun Pemudi Pemuda, Garuda Pancasila, to Satu Nusa Satu Bangsa echoed in the morning air, igniting the spirit of love for the homeland that blends with body movements.
In that way, Okeke is not just a physical activity. It is also a space for character education: discipline, cooperation, communication, and nationalism. Every step is a statement of gratitude for the blessing of health and the gift of a green and peaceful environment.
From Campus Residents to International Guests: Everyone is Involved
What made Okeke that morning even more special was the involvement of the guardians of the students and visiting guests, including the training resource persons. One of them was Prof. Drs. Triyono Bramantyo, M.Musc.Ed. Pd.D, along with his wife, Mrs. Shai Chuan Wen.
Both of them did not just watch, but also joined the Okeke line, feeling for themselves the pulse of togetherness that was so natural and thrilling. “I have never seen anything like this anywhere else,” said Prof. Triyono, to Jaya-News.Com Contributor, with great admiration.
The same thing was also conveyed by Mrs. Shai Chuan Wen, she admitted that she was very touched to see thousands of students singing happily throughout the journey.
“This is not just a sport, but a very happy atmosphere. The children seemed to enjoy it, walking while singing. Very good for character education,” she said. She also expressed her admiration for the beauty of the Al-Zaytun campus which according to her reminded her of the calm and green campuses in Japan—where she received her Masters and Doctoral education.
Forming a Healthy and Resilient Generation Through Positive Habits
The Okeke culture at Al-Zaytun is a concrete example of how education does not stop in the classroom. It breaks through the boundaries of formality, transforming into a lifestyle that forms healthy habits and positive attitudes.
There is no room for “mager” or being lazy to move here. Every community is encouraged to be actively involved, to be part of a shared healthy culture. This is where Al-Zaytun’s strength lies: building a system that is integrated with everyday life. Everyone moves, everyone contributes, everyone is enthusiastic.
And when the body’s movements are framed in the spirit of nationalism, ecological awareness, and social discipline, then Okeke becomes more than a sport. It becomes a movement of civilization.
Treading the Path to the Future
What Al-Zaytun is doing through Okeke is a form of silent revolution but has a real impact. In small steps, there is a big transformation that is being carried out. Education is not just a theory, but a life practice that touches the physical and spiritual.
Health is not just about the physical, but part of cultural resilience. And discipline is not just a rule, but a daily practice that is instilled and made a habit.
Under the shade of trees,on a quiet path full of laugther and songs,the students of this nation are learning to be strong,healthy,and full of love for the country.
Ali Aminulloh
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