United as One: A Glimpse of End-Year Festivities at UIII

January 02, 2025

Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: Atia Adjani & Muhammad Akbar Rahmadi


The Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) campus buzzed with excitement as students, faculty, and visitors gathered to welcome the arrival of 2025. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of international cuisines, blending together to create an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Wildan Rofi'i, the President of the UIII Student Union, shared how the idea for the event was born from casual conversations among students, especially members of the Climate Club. “What started as a simple suggestion quickly grew into a campus-wide collaboration involving all student associations and even external groups,” said Wildan. 

Stalls lined the courtyard, each one offering something special—handmade crafts, preloved items, cultural artifacts and international cuisines. For many international students, this was their first chance to experience a lively Indonesian New Year celebration, and they embraced it wholeheartedly. 

Held from the late afternoon until mid-night, the event was attended by University Secretary Dr. Chaider Bamualim and Chairman of the UIII Academic Senate Dr. Rifqi Muna, showcasing their support for student-led initiatives.  

The event was conducted in collaboration with the International Student Association (ISA) to enhance its international appeal while promoting unity in diversity. ISA President Omie Njie stated that her members provided international food and drinks prepared by students from Pakistan and Nepal, including Chicken Biryani, Chicken Karahi, Raita Salad, Desi Roti, Pani Puri, Pakora, and Masala Chai. 

Meanwhile, Elis Nurhayati, the founder of the Climate Club at UIII, explained how the event was not just about celebration but also about promoting sustainability. By encouraging students to sell and buy preloved items, they were reducing waste and giving forgotten treasures a second life.  

“This bazaar also celebrates community spirit, showing how small actions like sharing and reusing can make a big difference while bringing people closer together,” Elis said.  

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the vibrant energy of the bazaar transitioned into a quieter, more reflective atmosphere. Solemn night lights illuminated the open space where students and faculty gathered for Reflection Night.  

Muhammad Akbar Rahmadi, one of the key organizers, described this as the heart of the celebration. “The evening was not just about counting down the seconds to midnight but about looking back on the year that had passed—the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the growth experienced,” Akbar said. 

Joyfully facilitated by Salsabila Syadza Az-Zahra, students sat together, sharing stories over steaming cups of coffee and barbeques. The night continued with music, spontaneous dance performances, and even a friendly best-costume competition, adding a lighthearted touch to the deep reflections. 

As midnight approached, the crowd gathered for a final moment of unity. Faces lit up with smiles, and voices joined in unison for the countdown. When the clock struck twelve, cheers erupted, and the sky shimmered with the burst of fireworks held high in the air above the green lake behind UIII Rectorate Building. 

As the crowd slowly dispersed into the night, the echoes of laughter and shared stories lingered in the air. The celebration was not just about welcoming a new year, it was about creating a sense of belonging, embracing diversity, and stepping into the future with purpose and hope.