Okeke and Briefing: Al Zaytun Teachers’ Commitment to Building a Healthy and Solidarity Culture on a Day of Silence
By Ali Aminuloh
Dawn Breaks, the Wheel of Vision Continues to Turn
Sunday morning, November 30, 2025. In most educational institutions, holidays are synonymous with total silence. Al Zaytun students are on leave, while some teachers are enjoying theirs. However, behind the gates of this educational center, which upholds the vision of “A Center for Education, Developing a Culture of Tolerance and Peace Towards a Healthy, Intelligent, and Humane Society,” a pulse of commitment continues to beat.
Despite the quiet, under the direction of Sheikh Al Zaytun, the culture being built knows no such thing as a day off. At the heart of this movement is Okeke, an abbreviation for “Foot Fitness Exercise,” a walking ritual that has become part of the DNA of the entire Al Zaytun community and extended family.
10,000 Steps of a Role Model: An Enduring Legacy
This culture is not a populist policy that comes and goes in an instant. It is a legacy exemplified directly by Sheikh Al Zaytun himself, who made it a habit to walk at least 10,000 steps every day.
This is a concrete implementation of the Javanese adage, “Ing Ngarsa Sung Tuladha” (in the front, set an example).
Building a culture cannot be achieved in a day or two, but rather through consistency and sustainability. Al Zaytun teachers, as key players in the implementation of education, internalize their role as uswah (role models).
That morning, Okeke was attended by only around 90 people. This number was significantly reduced because the majority of students were out in the community and the teachers were on holiday.
“Even if it’s a small number, we’ll still implement it,” said Ustadz Purnomo, the Chair of the Teachers’ Council who led Okeke that day.
This commitment, he added, is a manifestation of the implementation of the Seven Promises of the Al Zaytun Community’s Charity.
Two Rhythms that Flow in Harmony
The Okeke procession that morning felt special. It began early, at 5:30 a.m. WIB, because it was integrated with the Morning Briefing Ritual for the Leave Period. The combination of these two agendas produced extraordinary synergy.
The series of events began with Basmalah (the Basmalah), followed by the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, the 3rd Stanza—an affirmation of strong nationalism—followed by the recitation of the Seven Promises of the Al Zaytun Community’s Charity, prayers, and guidance from the Student Dormitory Control Council (MPAP) and the Teachers’ Council.
After a warm-up led by the Head of Kosmaz (Al Zaytun Sports and Arts Committee), Sularno, S.Pd., Okeke began.
The series concluded with stretching and the Hamdalah (the recitation of the Hamdalah).
The briefing served to align perceptions, strengthen strategies, and channel cognitive energy. Meanwhile, Okeke is an injection of work enthusiasm, a channel for physical energy, and a confirmation of physical health.
These two established cultures—Brifing and Okeke—work side by side and strengthen each other. They become the “spirit of work encouragement” and “unifying perceptions,” ensuring that the entire community “travels in unison” in realizing Al Zaytun’s grand vision.
Reflective Epilogue: Behind Silent Consistency
Inspiration often doesn’t come from crowds, but from silent consistency. The story of Okeke on this holiday teaches us that true commitment to a vision is not measured by the number of attendees, but by the determination of its core implementers.
Every step taken that morning was not merely a physical activity; it was a philosophical step. It was a physical manifestation of the vision of humanity, tolerance, and peace proclaimed by Al Zaytun. If physical health (Okeke) is the foundation, and mental health (Brifing, Vision) is the direction, then the journey towards a healthy, intelligent, and humane society is inevitable.
So, what is your silent commitment today that will build a grand vision for the future? (*)
Indramayu, November 30, 2025
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