From Unity to National Independence in Facing Global Challenges
(Address by the Chairperson of the Committee for the Commemoration of 1 Syuro 1448 Hijriah Al Zaytun)
By: Ali Aminulloh
Big changes always begin with an idea.
And big ideas always come from those who dare to think ahead of their time.
Amidst the ever-growing global challenges, from the food crisis, climate change, technological disruption, to global geopolitical uncertainty, Indonesia needs more than just optimism. It needs a shared direction, vision, and awareness to build a better future.
This spirit was the driving force behind the celebration of the Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah, at the Al Zaytun Mosque on Tuesday (June 16, 2026).
Taking place at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Mosque, thousands of participants, including national figures, academics, professors, religious leaders, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) officials, university students, and the general public, gathered for a national assembly themed “Strengthening Unity to Achieve National Independence in Facing Global Challenges.”
Behind the organization of this event was Ustadz Eji Anugrah Romadhon, S.S., M.AP., Chair of the Al Zaytun 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah Commemoration Committee. In his remarks, he explained the meaning and background of this theme.
A Theme Born of an Intellectual Journey
According to Eji Anugrah Romadhon, the theme chosen for this year’s commemoration was not a one-off.
It is the result of long contemplation and an intellectual journey that has taken place over the past several years within the Al Zaytun community.
He explained that various symposia, international seminars, ongoing teacher training, and academic forums featuring dozens of professors and experts from various disciplines have led to one important conclusion: Indonesia’s future is largely determined by its ability to maintain unity and build independence.
Unity and independence are not two separate things.
They are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
Without unity, the nation will lose the energy to move together. Without independence, the nation will continue to depend on others to meet its needs and determine its future.
That is why this theme was chosen as the main message of the commemoration of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijri.
Education as a Path to Change
In his presentation, Eji emphasized that education is the primary instrument in realizing these lofty ideals.
According to him, Sheikh Abdussalam Rasyidi Panji Gumilang has, from the beginning, viewed education not merely as a process of transferring knowledge, but as a means of building civilization.
Education must be able to produce individuals with critical thinking skills, strong character, a national spirit, and the ability to face changing times.
Therefore, Al Zaytun continues to develop holistic and integrated education.
Education not only teaches theory, but also shapes personality, life skills, economic independence, social awareness, and love for the homeland.
According to Ust. Eji, only through quality education can the Indonesian nation prepare a generation capable of meeting the various challenges of the future.
Momentum to Build Collective Awareness
For Eji Anugrah Ramadhan, the Islamic New Year celebration is not merely an annual ceremony.
Hijrah (migration) signifies change.
Hijrah is the courage to leave unfavorable conditions for better ones.
In the context of nationalism, hijrah signifies the courage of the Indonesian people to continuously improve themselves, enhance the quality of their human resources, strengthen unity, and build independence.
Therefore, the commemoration of 1 Muharram at Al Zaytun is designed not only as a religious activity, but also as a space for national reflection.
A space to ask where this nation is headed.
A space to formulate solutions to the various problems it faces.
And a space to bring together diverse ideas for the future of Indonesia.
Amidst Grief, Keeping Hope Ignited
This year’s commemoration of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah took place in a different atmosphere.
The Al Zaytun family remains deeply saddened by the passing of the late Ustadz Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Halim, a prominent advocate and champion of education who has been a vital part of Al Zaytun’s journey.
At the same time, Sheikh Panji Gumilang was also unable to attend in person due to his ongoing recovery.
However, according to Ustadz Eji, this situation has not dampened the enthusiasm of the entire Al Zaytun community to continue the educational struggle that has been pioneered for decades.
In fact, this has given rise to the realization that a great struggle should not stop with one generation.
Ideas must live on.
Ideals must be the us continues.
And hope must be kept alive.
Welcoming Indonesia’s Future
Closing his remarks, Eji Anugrah Romadhon invited all participants to look to Indonesia’s future with optimism.
According to him, Indonesia has all the capital needed to become a great nation.
Abundant natural resources.
A large productive population.
Rich cultural diversity.
And the spirit of mutual cooperation that is the nation’s identity.
What is needed now is the ability to manage all of this potential through education, unity, and sustainable cooperation.
From the podium commemorating 1 Muharram 1448 Hijri at the Rahmatan Lil ‘Alamin Mosque, Eji Anugrah Romadhon reminded that the journey towards a developed and independent Indonesia cannot be undertaken alone.
The journey requires unity.
The journey requires education.
And the journey requires the belief that the Indonesian nation is capable of standing on its own strength.
Because as the spirit of hijrah inherited from history, a better future always starts with the courage to change and move together towards the same goal.**
Indramayu, June 17, 2026
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