Having Coffee Together, an Afternoon Tradition Uniting Hearts at the Al-Zaytun Indramayu Education Secretariat
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS COM – Approaching Maghrib, the atmosphere in the Al Zaytun Education Secretariat office on the 1st floor of Block B of the Abu Bakar Building feels different. There, the personnel of the Al-Zaytun Education Secretariat gather in the office pantry. Not for work discussions, nor for formal agendas—but to carry out a tradition that has been going on for more than six years, namely “having coffee together”.
This tradition began during difficult times, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2019. When the entire Mahad community had to undergo a total lockdown—no one could go out, no one could enter—having coffee together became a solace.
Previously, similar activities had indeed been carried out, but only occasionally. It was only during times of crisis that having coffee together became a daily routine that was awaited.
In the midst of limitations, coffee and snacks became unifiers. Voluntarily, everyone contributes what they have—souvenirs from home, simple dishes, or just light snacks. But what is shared is not just food and drinks, but also stories, jokes, and a sense of mutual understanding. There are no more boundaries between superiors and staff. What is created is a family—warm and caring for each other.
From Pantry to Heart: A Second Home Called the Secretariat
This ritual of drinking coffee together is more than just filling the stomach.
According to Wiena Safitri, ST., M.Kom., Head of the Education Secretariat, drinking coffee together is not only to relieve hunger, but to revive the energy of togetherness, strengthen empathy, and foster communication.
“From that simple pantry table, extraordinary synergy was born,” Wiena told Jaya-News.com, Friday, June 27, 2025.
She added that this tradition also touches on psychological aspects that are invisible to the naked eye. It helps relieve stress due to work pressure, restore enthusiasm, and build closeness between personnel. The work atmosphere becomes more fluid, collaborative, and full of laughter.
For Marlinda, S.Pd., MAP., the education secretariat is not just a place of work.
“The education secretariat is my first home. My private home has even become my second home,” she said. For her, three-quarters of her life is spent in the office. It is no wonder that before leaving home, what crosses her mind is, “What can I bring to eat together at the secretariat?” So it is no wonder that she is nicknamed, “The mother of a secretariat”—an expression that describes the uniqueness, closeness, and family spirit that only those who have experienced it have.
Dr. Ali Aminulloh, M.Pd.I ME, who is now the Chairperson of the Dormitory Control Board (MPAP) still makes time to come occasionally just to relieve longing.
“Having coffee together at the secretariat is nostalgic,” he said. The same goes for Ustadzah Lela Nurlela, S.Pd., MP., who is now working as an extracurricular agriculture teacher at the Tansri Building. For him, this tradition has become an important part of his work journey and social life in the Al-Zaytun environment.
Epilogue: Pantry Table, Table of Civilization
In the hustle and bustle of the work world that is often rigid and bureaucratic, the Al-Zaytun Education Secretariat found a gap to foster human values—through the tradition of drinking coffee together. The pantry table is a symbol, not only a place to share food and drinks, but also a place to foster affection, trust, and loyalty in work.
So it is not an exaggeration to say that the tradition of eating together at the Al-Zaytun Education Secretariat is not just a routine activity—it is the spirit, pulse, and emotional foundation that strengthens the building of education itself. A simple habit that turns out to be able to create a healthy, warm, and meaningful work civilization.**
Ali Aminulloh
Contributor
—
