Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School holds 50th Porseka to boost new students' spirit
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Pondok Pesantren Darunnajah has once again held the 50th Sports, Arts, and Scouting Week (Porseka) at the Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School Green Field, Pesanggrahan, South Jakarta, to strengthen the spirit of new students during their orientation period.
“This momentum is being used to introduce the life and traditions of the pesantren to new students, while simultaneously renewing intentions (tajdid niat) for both returning students and educators,” stated the Leader of Darunnajah Islamic Boarding School, Sofwan Manaf, in Jakarta on Sunday.
Sofwan added that education is not limited to the classroom but can be gained from everything experienced within the boarding school. He noted that all dynamics within the pesantren contain educational values that shape the students’ personalities.
“What you see, hear, feel, do, and experience every day—all of that is education. Do not only pay attention to what is taught to you; also pay attention to what is practised as a habit for you,” he said.
Sofwan also explained the ‘Panca Jiwa’ (Five Souls)—the souls of sincerity, simplicity, independence, Islamic brotherhood, and freedom—which are tangibly reflected as a ‘hidden curriculum’ in the preparation and execution of Porseka.
He explained that the 50th Porseka commenced with an annual assembly featuring the raising of the national flag, formation reports, and a leadership address. Following the assembly, the event continued with an awards ceremony and various student performances, including Tapak Suci martial arts, which conveys messages of agility and character, as well as configuration performances combining creativity and teamwork.
In the context of the competitions, the school leader reminded participants that the competitive spirit should not erode core values and worship. He emphasised that while winning is an achievement, sportsmanship is a value. Discipline, cooperation, accepting defeat gracefully, and rising again after failure are all integral parts of the process.
“Do not let us win a match but lose our brotherhood. Do not let us bring home a trophy but lose our character (akhlak),” he said.
According to Sofwan, this activity began 50 years ago as a Sports and Arts Week (Porseni) and has since evolved to include scouting elements, becoming Porseka. He urged all students to hold firmly to the identity of the pesantren wherever they may be.