Educational Tour at the Campus of Tolerance: When “Odong-Odong” Brings Preschool Pearls to Ma’had Al Zaytun
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS.COM – Amidst the vast expanse of Indramayu, Ma’had Al Zaytun stands not merely as an educational institution, but as a center for developing a culture of tolerance and true peace. With its vision of creating a healthy, intelligent, and humane society, Al Zaytun has become an epicenter that radiates positive energy, attracting surrounding educational institutions to come and learn.
This time, Al Zaytun’s magnetic aura attracted dozens of preschools. These cheerful children from two sub-districts, Haurgeulis and Gantar, flocked to this “Educational Tour” that promised to be inspiring.
Day One: A Joyful Journey on the Odong-Odong
The first wave of this educational visit began on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Five Raudhatul Athfal (RA) institutions, members of the Raudhatul Athfal Teachers Association (IGRA) in the Haurgeulis and Gantar Districts, began their adventure.
A typical Indramayu sight was presented that morning: 17 odong-odong, colorfully modified vehicles, transporting small groups from five RAs: RA Al Khairiyah, RA Darunnajah, RA Al-Ikhlas, RA Mutiara Bunda, and RA Nurul Hikmah. A total of 208 children and 237 adults (teachers and guardians) boarded these public transportation vehicles from their respective RAs, heading towards the grand gate of Al Zaytun.
At exactly 8:45 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, they arrived at the North Gate. Guided by Ustaz Gustira and Ustaz Abinaya, the group headed straight to the Al-Islah Guest House, dividing into three small groups.
Giant Trees and the Rice Palace
The first impression the children and their parents felt was the beauty of the shady surroundings of the Islamic boarding school. Towering trees, manicured gardens, and a variety of plants created a cool atmosphere that immediately soothed the eyes and hearts.
The main purpose of the visit was to provide a real-life experience, starting with the Rice Palace. Inside this magnificent building, the children were amazed to see the giant machines and storage barns that held abundant stocks of paddy and rice. “The children can learn about the enormous rice processing process,” said Mrs. Sutinem, one of the RA teachers, who was thrilled to be able to introduce her students to the crucial process of food security.
The amazement continued when the group arrived at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Mosque. One of the children was so amazed by the mosque’s towering minaret that they spontaneously dubbed it “Monas” (National Monument), reflecting the grandeur of the architecture they saw.
Learning to Queue and Share at Al Akbar
The event continued at the Al Akbar Building for a communal meal. Here, a warm family atmosphere was created as the children enjoyed their lunches. Small joys were also evident when the Ma’had management provided water refills, helping a small group that had run out of drinking water.
Perhaps the most educational session took place at the Al Zaytun Shop. Here, the children not only shopped for toys and snacks, but also learned important values:
1. They learned to queue orderly.
2. They learned to manage money by shopping within their allowance.
However, the beauty of parental love was clearly evident when some children were helped by their parents to shop for more than they had brought.
Aspirations from the Feet of the Students’ Guardians
This deep impression was felt not only by the teachers, but especially by the parents.
Mrs. Emah, one of the students’ parents, could not hide her hope. “I hope one day my child can go to school here, at Al Zaytun,” she said hopefully.
Mrs. Nurhayati, another student’s guardian, expressed similar admiration. “This is my first time here. The school is very comprehensive, from preschool to university. I hope my child can receive an education here someday.”
This meaningful first visit left a trail of inspiration for hundreds of pairs of eyes. Ma’had Al Zaytun has succeeded in planting the seeds of tolerance, independence, and hope for a bright future, solidifying its position as a mecca for education that excels not only in knowledge but also in human values.
Mrs. Sutinem hopes, “Hopefully, this will become a regular event going forward.” That hope is readily met, because tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the second wave of seven other RAs, with 231 students and 250 chaperones, will await their turn to experience the inspiration of this heart of peace.**
Dr. Ali Aminuloh, M.Pd.I.ME
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