Morning Takbir, Youth Prayers, and Ramadan Rohis Camps: Keeping the Faith Alive
Under the soft early morning glow of Ramadhan filtering through the large windows of Semarang’s Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah (MAJT), thousands of young voices rise in takbir and prayer. About 7,000 students from primary to senior high in Semarang gathered in the compound, eyes bright with hope, while 78 Rohis (Islamic student organisations) administrators from 34 provinces and 35 representatives from Central Java prepared for four meaningful days.
Among the gentle breeze carrying the smell of takjil and the zeal of fasting, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Ph. Kamaruddin Amin, stepped to the podium, his voice calm yet firm as he addressed a generation he called the nation’s future decision-makers.
“You Rohis students must excel academically as well as be strong in character,” he said at the opening of the 2026 Indonesia Rohis Ramadan Pesantren, Thursday (5 March). “The future of this nation is determined by the quality of the younger generation.”
This is not merely an annual routine; the event, now entering its fourth year at MAJT, is designed as a space to strengthen faith, knowledge, and networks. The theme “Ramadan Full of Love” flows through every session: from the Qur’an recitation to open the day, to the launch of the Wakaf Rohis Indonesia programme and the eco-theology movement involving the planting of 70 longan trees that the participants will take to their respective schools.
In the meantime, Dian Nuswantoro University introduced Animasi Murottal (A-Mur), a religiologically themed technology innovation that brings sacred verses closer to the digital youth.
Giftan Azkaniar, an VIII-grade student at SMP Islam Terpadu Al Fateeh Semarang, smiled broadly as he recounted his experience. “I’m just happy to meet many new friends. I only attended the opening today, then came here with representatives from my school,” he said simply, but his eyes reflected sincere joy. For Giftan and thousands of his peers, this moment is not merely an event; it is a meeting of hearts with values they want to embrace for life.
Far from the bustle of Semarang, in Kudus, a similar enthusiasm flows in a form closer to everyday educational roots. The Kudus Regency Government is again promoting the “pesantren kilat” Ramadan programme, not as a formality but as a shield for children’s character. The regent, Sam’ani Intakoris, asserted this with a tone of concern yet determination.