Serenity Through Faith: Releasing Insecurity and Overthinking in Islamic Perspective

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by Roro Millatu Al Ghaniy

Ilustrasi Serenity Through Faith: Releasing Insecurity and Overthinking in Islamic Perspective

In today’s digital world, the endless stream of information opens wide opportunities to elevate knowledge. However, it may shape the way we perceive ourselves. Some information produces perfection and offers imaginary expectations. As an impact, some people start questioning their self-competence, “What do they think of me? Am I doing enough? Will I ever be good enough?” These mental battles lead to self-doubt, which can hinder personal growth. The development of a mentality, called “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out) traps us in unwritten competition. Sharing only the best achievements, most perfect angles, and happiest feelings. In the pursuit of social validation, we neglect the natural process of human life. Unfortunately, this behavior takes us deep into our insecurity and overthinking. There will be endless questions such as Do they approve of me? Or Have I done enough?. Slowly, it drains our energy to fight back and find our true power. We hold back the real progress in learning and abandon the simple joy of just being human. Releasing is a mental journey that includes self-awareness to recognize the root cause of negative mentality, strengthen our spiritual connection to Allah SWT, embrace our identity, and seek professional help to navigate the struggles. 

Recognizing the source of insecurity and overthinking

Insecurity and overthinking are brought on by a number of factors. According to Greenberg (2015), failure or rejection experiences, lack of confidence due to social anxiety, and perfectionism contribute to insecurity. Relationship failure in a relationship, the death of spouses, job loss, and serious illnesses are all frequent occurrences. These can have a detrimental effect on our happiness and can influence our self-esteem and confidence. With lower self-esteem and confidence, we will view ourselves more negatively, and reactive to failure. Furthermore, many of us nowadays lack confidence in social situations such as family gatherings and interviews. The fear of being criticized by others and found to be lacking can lead to anxiety, self-consciousness, and uncomfortable feelings. Perfectionism has also become another main contributor to insecurity. We often have unrealistic expectations. Achieving the highest grades, getting the best job, and owning a beautiful house are a few examples of the aforementioned expectations. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always turn out the way we would like it to, even when we work super hard. Something is always beyond our control. If we continue to be disappointed and blame ourselves for not achieving the expectations, we will start to feel insecure, undeserving, and will be unable to stop overthinking (Greenberg, 2015). 

Although insecurity prevents us from reaching our greatest potentials, it should be acknowledged that we will never be able to completely eradicate it. Unlike robots, we do have feelings. Though dealing with insecurity and overthinking is hard, we can learn to cope better. Islam teaches us to deal with insecurity and overthinking. Some of Islam’s most effective ways to deal with insecurity and overthinking are (1) improving spirituality, (2) improving self-awareness, and (3) seeking professional help. 

Improving Spirituality

Gratitude is one of the vital aspects in life. Whatever happens, we must believe that everything happens according to Allah SWT’s plans and there are always good reasons behind them. Hence, we will always try to be the best version of ourselves by improving our quality and capacity. In addition, performing prayer (salah) and dhikr can also reduce our insecurity effectively. Salah can be one of the most effective ways to cope with insecurity and overthinking and improve mental health. 

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ 

“Those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” (Q.S. Ar-Ra’d [13]: 28) 

ٱتْلُ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ ۗ وَلَذِكْرُ ٱللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ 

“Recite what has been revealed in the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, genuine prayer should deter one from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is an even greater deterrent. And Allah fully knows what you all do.” (Q.S. Al-‘Ankabut [29]: 45)

As narrated in Q.S. Ar-Rad [13]: 28 and Q.S. Al-Ankabut [29]: 45, Salah offers two benefits: (1) heart fulfillment and (2) a means of preventing bad behavior. We develop specific thoughts, feelings, and imagination toward Allah when praying. These thoughts, feelings, and imagination toward Allah improve heart satisfaction and strengthen our defense against evil. 

Furthermore, reciting the holy Qur’an can be another effective way in reducing insecurity and overthinking. The Qur’an was, is, and continues to be the mercy, guidance, and cure, as mentioned in Q.S. Fussilat [41]: 44:

وَلَوْ جَعَلْنَـٰهُ قُرْءَانًا أَعْجَمِيًّۭا لَّقَالُوا۟ لَوْلَا فُصِّلَتْ ءَايَـٰتُهُۥٓ ۖ ءَا۬عْجَمِىٌّۭ وَعَرَبِىٌّۭ ۗ قُلْ هُوَ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ هُدًۭى وَشِفَآءٌۭ ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ فِىٓ ءَاذَانِهِمْ وَقْرٌۭ وَهُوَ عَلَيْهِمْ عَمًى ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ يُنَادَوْنَ مِن مَّكَانٍۭ بَعِيدٍۢ  

Had We revealed it as a non-Arabic Quran, they would have certainly argued, “If only its verses were made clear in our language. What! A non-Arabic revelation for an Arab audience!” Say, O Prophet, “It is a guide and a healing to the believers. As for those who disbelieve, there is a deafness in their ears and blindness to it in their hearts. It is as if they are being called from a faraway place.” (Q.S. Al-Fussilat [41]: 44)

The aforementioned verse clarified that the Qur’an can treat physical and mental illnesses. Reciting the Holy Qur’an can enhance memory and cognitive function. Our brains will get more skilled and accustomed to doing the task when we recite the holy Qur’an on a regular basis. The more we recite, the stronger our memory will be.  As a result, the likelihood of having brain-related illnesses including Alzheimer’s and Dementia can be lowered. Hidayat et al. (2023) discovered that the Holy Qur’an combined with Dhikr can effectively reduce anxiety. One would wonder, how do the Qur’an and Dhikr help lessen anxiety? Reading the Qur’an and performing Dhikr help us remember that we still have Allah. As we constantly think of Him, our hearts will be at ease, our positive mindset will grow, and His guidance will solve every issue. 

Improving Self-Awareness

Eurich (2017) defined self-awareness as the capacity to perceive and focus on oneself. Self-awareness is essential to our behavior, satisfaction, and performance (Carden et al., 2022), as it enhances decision-making and team performance (Dierdoff & Rubin, 2015), boosts leadership success, (Showry & Manasa, 2014), and expands career chances (Axelrod, 2012). Moreover, self-awareness has many psychological benefits, such as (1) enhancing self-regulation, (2) raising social awareness, and (3) lowering stress and anxiety. As our self-awareness increases, we become more adaptable and excel at adaptive performance (Park & Park, 2019).

Improving self-awareness can be done in many ways, one of them is reflection. This can be done by asking questions and engaging in self-talk. Insecurity often fuels negative thoughts. Thus, when a negative inner dialogue appears (e.g. why does everyone dislike me?), counter it by thinking positively whenever it arises. Ask yourself to come up with positive affirmations like “I am kind”, “I care about my friends”, “I tell good jokes”, etc. This action enables us to let our brain know that there are brighter possibilities than the ones we think whenever we feel insecure. 

وَلَا تَهِنُوا۟ وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا۟ وَأَنتُمُ ٱلْأَعْلَوْنَ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ١٣٩

“Do not falter or grieve, for you will have the upper hand, if you are ˹true˺ believers.” (Q.S. Al-Imran [3]: 139)

As narrated in Q.S. Al-Imran [3]: 139, Allah SWT prohibits us from grieving and from thinking negatively too much about ourselves. We must have faith that there always be valid explanations for any difficulties we face in life. Therefore, whenever we feel insecure and overthink, all we have to do is believe in Him, and life will be back on the right track.

Seeking Professional Help

Seeking professional help is highly recommended when the feeling of insecurity and overthinking negatively affects our daily. Our society’s taboo stigma around psychologist and psychiatric does not prove that we have a mental condition. Nonetheless, it demonstrates that we value mental health and thus, we decide to seek professional help so that our mental issues can be treated professionally. Besides, seeking professional assistance helps us to solve our problems. 

As a final reflection, we need to realize that insecurity and overthinking can take a huge space in our hearts. The burden can harm our physical and mental well-being, but healing is the best way to achieve transformative serenity. Islam offers a path to inner harmony through a prayer (Salah), reciting the Holy Qur’an, improving self-awareness, and seeking for professional help.  When positive feelings and mindsets surround us, we can cope with insecurity and overthinking effectively to live in peace and harmony. As we embrace these steps, we gradually learn to let go, replacing doubt with trust, fear with faith, and overthinking with the calm certainty that we are enough, just as we are.

 

REFERENCES

Axelrod SD. 2012. “Self-awareness”: at the interface of executive development and psychoanalytic therapy. Psychoanal. Inq. 32:340–57

Carden, J., Jones, R. J., & Passmore, J. (2021). Defining Self-Awareness in the Context of Adult Development: A Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Management Education, 46(1), 140-177. https://doi.org/10.1177/1052562921990065 (Original work published 2022)

Dierdorff EC, Rubin RS. 2015. Research: We’re not very self-aware, especially at work. Harvard Business Review,March12.https://hbr.org/2015/03/research-were-not-very-self-aware-especially-at-work

Eurich T. 2017. Insight: Why We’re Not as Self-Aware as We Think, and How Seeing Ourselves Clearly Helps Us Succeed at Work and in Life.New York: Crown Bus.

Hidayat, B., Rahman, A.A., Nugroho, S., Leybina, A.V., Muliadi, Listyani, N., & Lubis, L.T. “Al-Qur’an and Dhikr: Are They Effective to Overcome Anxiety Caused by Covid-19 as a Pandemic Condition?” in PSIKIS: Jurnal Psikologi Islami, Vol. 9 No.1, 2023. h. 61-76 

Park, Sohee & Park, Sunyoung. (2019). Employee Adaptive Performance and Its Antecedents: Review and Synthesis. Human Resource Development Review. 18. 294–324. 10.1177/1534484319836315.

Showry, Mendemu and Manasa, K.V.L., Self-Awareness – Key to Effective Leadership (October 7, 2014). The IUP Journal of Soft Skills, Vol. VIII, No. 1, March 2014, pp. 15-26, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2506605

Image Source: https://images.pexels.com/photos/8303394/pexels-photo-8303394.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&w=1260&h=750&dpr=1

 

Author’s Biography

Roro Millatu Al Ghaniy is an English Education Department Islamic University of Indonesia, Yogyakarta lecturer. She completed her master’s in English Language Education at Universitas Negeri Malang. She loves teaching. Before joining the Islamic University of Indonesia Yogyakarta, she actively worked as an English teacher at SMP Ar-Rohmah Putri Boarding School, Dau, Malang (2013-2017) and English Tutor at SMA Brawijaya Smart School, Malang (2020-2023). Besides working at school, she also worked as an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (2014-2023).  Her research interests are English Skills (Speaking and Writing) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). 

The Virtues of Fasting and How to Make It Effective

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By Adam Anshori

Illustration The Virtues of Fasting and How to Make It Effective

Fasting is much more than simply refraining from food and drink. It is a deeply transformative practice that nurtures self-discipline, patience, and spiritual awareness. As Allah says in the Qur’an: 

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

‘O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.’ (Al-Baqarah 2:183).

For many, fasting serves as a means to strengthen personal character, allowing individuals to cultivate good habits and avoid negative behaviors. It trains the mind and body to resist temptations, making a person more conscious of their actions and thoughts.

Fasting is not just about physical endurance; it is also a journey of spiritual purification. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of patience in fasting, stating that “fasting is half of patience.” This highlights that fasting teaches individuals how to endure hardships and exercise self-restraint—qualities essential for personal growth and resilience in life. Furthermore, fasting leads to taqwa, or piety, which is considered the highest standard of virtue in Islam. As stated in the Qur’an, “Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you” (Surah Al-Hujurat: 13). This means that true success lies not in wealth or status but in one’s level of righteousness, which fasting helps to cultivate.

The practice of fasting can be understood on different levels. At the most basic level, it involves refraining from eating, drinking, and engaging in sexual relations. However, a more meaningful level of fasting requires a person to avoid all forms of sinful behavior, including negative speech, inappropriate gazes, and harmful actions. The highest and most refined form of fasting goes even further, requiring an individual to purify their thoughts and intentions, detaching themselves from worldly distractions and focusing entirely on their devotion to Allah.

How to Make Fasting More Effective and Efficient?

For fasting to be truly impactful, it must be practiced with the right mindset and approach. Many people focus only on avoiding food and drink, but fasting should go beyond physical abstinence. It should be a holistic experience that purifies both the body and soul. as the Qur’an reminds us: 

وَنَفْسٍ وَمَا سَوَّاهَا (٧) فَأَلْهَمَهَا فُجُورَهَا وَتَقْوَاهَا (٨) قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّاهَا (٩) وَقَدْ خَابَ مَن دَسَّاهَا (١٠)

And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it (7) And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness (8) He has succeeded who purifies it (9) And he has failed who corrupts it (10) (Ash-Shams 91:7-10)

Here are some ways to make fasting more effective and efficient:

  1. Setting the Right Intentions

The foundation of a meaningful fast begins with niyyah, or intention. Before starting the fast, one should remind themselves of the purpose behind it—to seek closeness to Allah, develop self-control, and improve their character. A sincere intention transforms fasting from a mere obligation into a spiritual journey.

  1. Controlling Desires Beyond Food and Drink

True fasting does not only mean avoiding eating and drinking but also requires control over other human desires. This includes restraining one’s gaze from looking at inappropriate things, refraining from speaking harmful words, and avoiding negative behaviors such as gossiping or lying. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned that if a person does not abandon false speech and evil actions, Allah has no need for them to abstain from food and drink. This means that fasting should be a complete act of self-discipline, encompassing thoughts, words, and actions.

  1. Practicing Mindfulness and Self-Reflection

Fasting provides a unique opportunity to slow down and reflect on one’s actions, thoughts, and emotions. It is a time to assess personal growth and areas that need improvement. Keeping a journal during fasting can be helpful to track emotions, spiritual progress, and new habits that develop during the fasting period.

  1. Maintaining a Balanced Diet for Sustained Energy

To make fasting sustainable and efficient, it is important to consume a balanced diet during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of fast). Eating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins helps maintain energy levels throughout the day. Hydration is also key drinking enough water between iftar and suhoor prevents dehydration and fatigue. Avoiding excessive sugary and fried foods can prevent sluggishness and ensure a more energetic and productive fasting experience.

  1. Engaging in Spiritual Acts of Worship

Fasting becomes more meaningful when combined with acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qur’an, and performing good deeds. It is a time to strengthen the connection with Allah by engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), making dua (supplication), and seeking forgiveness. Engaging in acts of charity and kindness also enhances the spiritual benefits of fasting, as it teaches empathy and selflessness.

  1. Managing Daily Activities Wisely

To maintain productivity while fasting, one should structure their day efficiently. It is advisable to plan tasks that require the most concentration and energy in the morning when the body is still refreshed from suhoor. Light physical activity, such as walking or stretching, can help maintain energy levels. Short naps or moments of rest can also help prevent burnout, especially for those with demanding schedules.

  1. Strengthening the Heart and Mind

The highest form of fasting goes beyond physical discipline and even moral restraint—it involves purifying the heart and mind. This means removing negative emotions such as anger, jealousy, and pride, and instead cultivating qualities such as patience, humility, and gratitude. A person who fasts at this level does not only control their outward actions but also refines their inner thoughts and intentions.

Fasting is a transformative experience when done with the right approach. It is not merely an obligation but a profound opportunity for self-improvement and spiritual connection. By setting sincere intentions, practicing self-control beyond food and drink, maintaining mindfulness, eating wisely, engaging in worship, managing daily tasks efficiently, and purifying the heart, one can make fasting truly effective and efficient. When approached with sincerity and discipline, fasting can become a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and closeness to Allah.

Should Multiple-Choice Questions Be Eliminated?

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It is often debated whether multiple-choice questions should be removed from the scoring system. The main reason is that it is feared that it could make students less critical and less able to apply knowledge in depth. The following is a deeper explanation regarding using multiple-choice questions as an assessment design.

Multiple-choice as an option to carry out practical assessments

In assessment design,  not only we must ensure validity, reliability, and beneficial consequences but we also must consider practicality. Practicality in this case includes efficiency, ease of administration, and time savings that can be achieved using multiple choice questions. Multiple choice questions allow for assessment in classes with large numbers of students to be faster and more efficient than other assessment methods, such as essays, projects, or reflections.

Encourages students’ analytical thinking

The idea that multiple-choice questions make students lazy and not think critically is wrong. In assessment design, the difficulty level in multiple-choice questions can be adjusted from an easy level to a difficult one. Especially in language education, the difficulty level can be adjusted from surface-level understanding to application, analysis, and evaluation (C1 to C5). Well-designed multiple-choice questions will encourage students to analyze answer options and encourage critical thinking to choose the most appropriate answer.

We need to change our mindset to not only see the bad side of a type of assessment but also its potential. Even though learning preferences in schools are now output/project/differentiated based, multiple choice will still be a useful tool for teachers. We need to find a balance between open and closed assessment because after all a good teacher is a teacher who can adapt their learning and assessment according to the conditions and needs of the students.



Rinjani Mountain: A Dazzling Screen in Small Island

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Written by Youme Hanesfu Noor 

Edited by Ninik Tri Astutik

Where is Rinjani mountain located? 

A trip to Rinjani mountain tourist attractions takes about three or four hours from Lombok International Airport. You can depart from the airport then will pass through the Jelojok market in Kopang, Central Lombok then proceed to North Lombok where Rinjani is located. Rinjani Mountain is a famous place in Lombok where it has become a place for climbing tours coming from all over the country year to year. Rinjani has been famous for its height reaching 3.726 meters making it the 5th highest mountain in Indonesia. Rinjani has a beautiful and amazing way, a huge water dam and a unique milk cave. The landscapes are full of steep cliffs, valleys and small rivers that come from mountain sulfur water. To reach Rinjani’s peak, you can go through the Sembalun route where its route is full of downhill. You will hardly find spring but it is easy to find people who sell food. Another way you can cross is through the Torean route also known as the heaven route because there are plenty of forests and valleys along the way. You will probably witness many monkeys climbing trees and every mountain way with a handful of bread and fruits given by people.

Why should we go to Rinjani mountain?

Rinjani is a heavenly place. There are famous landmarks because of their uniqueness such as Segara Anak and Susu Cave. Segara Anak is a huge water dam that has been a legendary story of the beauty of Mount Rinjani. With clear water, the huge water dam can be used for taking a bath or even drinking water. Don’t feel bad when the food stock runs out because people usually do fishing or prepare bait for catching fish. On the journey to the peak, many people probably don’t know there is a place called Susu Cave where ‘susu’ refers to the word ‘milk’. This place is a rest area to whoever returned from the peak. This is also famous as a place of ‘medication’ due to local residents’ belief that when people who bathe are like being reborn in other worlds and erased their committed sins.

What should we know about Rinjani Mountain? 

The top of Rinjani is not the only beauty we will see. Have you ever known that Rinjani Mountain has a place called the Pelawangan Gate? The older adults still believe in the custom that they must pray when going through the Pelawangan Gate. They said that they should pray for God’s protection when climbing the mountain because it is known that we entered a different realm. You may not believe it, just so that you know. 

What things do we need to be aware of? 

For people who are interested in visiting Rinjani, they need to prepare several important things before getting there. Beginners usually don’t know when to start. First, they need to be aware of their physical condition. This may sound trivial yet in fact, this is an important thing to not be underestimated. Second, you have to prepare items such as clothes, medicines, food and other personal equipment you may need. Another important thing is the weather, it’s a very cold and foggy place during the day and slippery at night especially in the rainy season. The temperature reaching 12 degrees celsius means that you need to prepare a thick coat, jacket,  blanket, and mantel to keep yourself warm. If you plan to climb at night, a flashlight is a must to see every track in the journey. One thing you need to know is you need to stick as a crutch in every step when you climb uphill and downhill areas. For that, you need shoes as well as hats to protect yourself. The shoes will protect your feet from dangerous objects and other factors, meanwhile hats will protect you from direct sunlight.

Summary 

Thus, every year tourists come to Rinjani Mountain to enjoy nature and capture breath-taking pictures. SO ARE YOU. Invite your friends to come to Lombok and climb the Rinjani Mountain. Don’t worry if you are alone because you can have road guides to get you into the journey. Enjoy every trip and keep safe so that you reach your destination with natural beauty. Let’s together see the beauty of the mountain which brings an extraordinary experience and the moment that can’t be forgotten.

Buying Interest in Korean Beauty Products in Indonesia

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Written by Sekar Luhur Widjayanti

Edited by Chintya Arlita 

The cosmetics sector in Indonesia is witnessing continuous expansion year after year. The rapid growth of the cosmetics industry is directly linked to the increasing demand for beauty products. Beauty products have transitioned from being mere aspirational items to becoming essential commodities. The increase in the cosmetic sector in Indonesia is attributable to imported cosmetics rather than domestic cosmetics. Indonesian customers prefer global cosmetic items to local products, particularly those from South Korea. Companies have implemented various strategies to bolster consumer interest, including leveraging electronic word of mouth, refining brand image, and enlisting celebrity endorsers.

A consumer’s perception or comprehension of a product brand is portrayed in their memory through brand associations. Consumers utilize the brand image as a guide or reference when trying and using a product. Consumers with prior product experience are more likely to select well-known products or brands. Consumers believe a famous brand is trustworthy, high-quality, and easy to obtain. The indicators used to measure brand image factors include strength, distinctiveness, and favorability. In addition to brand image, firms employ various methods to stimulate consumer purchasing interest, such as using well-known celebrities to promote their products. The celebrity endorser who promotes it has a more substantial influence on consumer purchasing interest since celebrities are famous and the center of attention.

Lastly, electronic word of mouth refers to the positive or negative opinions about a product shared by consumers on the internet based on their usage experience. The findings derived from analyzing various dimensions of electronic word of mouth – namely intensity, sentiment, and content – lead to the conclusion that electronic word of mouth significantly impacts an individual’s online product choices. This information holds great relevance to a person’s decision-making process. The existence of recommendations or reviews given by other consumers can influence consumer purchasing decisions. In addition, security and services for online transactions can influence consumers to purchase using the e-commerce application. The existence of electronic word of mouth will help the parties involved in it, from e-commerce developers and sellers to buyers.

Expanding Horizons through Teaching Practice Overseas

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After extended periods of canceled and postponed PBI UII’s programs due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is a relief that the programs are finally continued after there are no COVID-19 restrictions. PBI UII still withstands its programs; one of them is “International Teaching Practice” as a commitment to supporting the students’ professional development to become educators at the international level.

In 2023, PBI UII sends off 15 students to Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Philippines. They will be deployed in schools or universities to have teaching practice. Students fully prepared throughout the deployment get training from remarkable trainers aligned with their program placement.

Indra Waskita, one of the ITP 2023 awardees, expressed his gratitude for snatching the opportunity to teach in Thailand, “Alhamdulillah, I was extremely happy and thrilled when I was selected as one of the delegates to go abroad to teach.” He made tremendous efforts to ensure he could snatch the opportunity, “I was occupied with several trainings for a competition, so I had to manage my time wisely for both the Indonesian Drum Corps Association (IDCA) competition and the International Teaching Practice program.”

Additionally, PBI UII held several trainings to support the delegates’ teaching practice in their respective countries. For Indra, who is familiar with the Thailand language because he learned about it during the lockdown due to the pandemic, gained several insights from the workshop on Thailand Language, “I found new perspectives from Miss Satwika, our trainer of Thai Language Survival Workshop. She taught the Thai script with the Latin alphabet, which is different from my experience; I previously studied it with the Thai alphabet.” The workshop was held twice and lasted two hours respectively on different days. However, the training was conducted hybrid because Miss Satwika lived in Thailand, Indra, including the participants, had a great time learning about Thailand, especially when Miss Satwika asked them to speak in Thailand.

There has been a transformation in the program’s deployment from the past to the present. Previously, PBI UII only sent students to Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Now, PBI UII can send more students, and new countries have been added to the list, namely Vietnam and Malaysia. The vision to provide international exposure has grown stronger within PBI UII, as a global perspective is considered crucial for educators. PBI UII hopes to support students’ future endeavors through the establishment and continued pursuit of International Teaching Practice, enabling them to become future educators who will lead the way with open minds and hearts.

Written by Chintya Arlita

A Journey Closer to Allah SWT Through a Collection of Beautiful Sentences

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Photo via Goodreads

Written by Grace Devi Ellesta Pagawak

Edited by Chintya Arlita

If you are seeking a book that delves into identity and brings you closer to Allah, look no further than this gem by A. Helwa. This book takes readers on a spiritual journey about Islam, beautifully penned in an easy-to-understand yet profound language.

The book explores the relationship between God and humanity, delving into Allah’s love for His servants and vice versa. It emphasizes the significance of worship and devotion to Allah SWT and also discusses the concept of life after death. As you read this book, you will be inspired to feel a deeper closeness to Allah and understand the boundless love He has for us.

This book has been published in English across six countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It is for people on the edge of their faith who have experienced religion as a harsh winter instead of a life-sustaining spring from God.

For those who are going through a phase of declining faith, this book serves as a guiding light. In fact, it is a must-have for every Muslim, as it beautifully addresses the fundamentals of human-God relationships. The language is not only easy-to-understand but also heart-touching, making it a true delight to read.

In summary, A. Helwa’s book is an enlightening work that will resonate with anyone seeking to strengthen their bond with Allah and explore the depths of their spirituality.

Uang Panai: Makassar’s Enduring Tradition of Respect and Love Toward Women

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Written by Bulan Indah Armalia

Edited by Ninik Tri Astutik 

‘Have you ever believed that humans bought humans?‘. Here is another unique culture coming from Makassar, South Sulawesi. This province has a unique cultural tradition known as Uang Panai. Uang Panai is a compulsory dowry from the groom or groom’s family to the bride’s family. The bride’s family receives customary presents as a symbol of respect for letting their daughter marry into the family. The Uang Panai or Panaik has been rooted and passed down in Makassar and Buginess culture from the prior generation. The amount of Uang Panai is typically discussed between two families and varies depending on its aspects. It includes the family’s social background and the bride and groom’s education level.

Women are deeply valued and respected in Makassar culture. The Panaik custom is a method of honoring a woman’s status in society and gratitude for the bride’s family to raise and educate the bride’s daughter. It is also a sign of the seriousness of the groom to get a woman he loves. The groom’s family must first seek permission from the bride’s family to propose and marry their daughter. Once the approval is granted, the two families will negotiate and agree on the given amount of the Panaik money. 

Generally, the Uang Panai ritual occurs a few weeks before the wedding. The first stage of the processions is Mappese-pese. A man will appoint a family representative to visit the bride’s family to propose to his chosen woman. Madutta or Massuro, the groom’s representative family, comes to negotiate the nominal amount of Panaik with the bride’s family. Mappenre, the groom’s family visit and bring the agreed-upon Panaik money to the bride’s family. After completing the previous stage, it is time to determine which good day to hold the reception party, Mappettu.  

Throughout the years, the custom evolved, and some families have begun to include modern items like electronics and home appliances along with their Panaik money. This custom provides gold, silver, jewelry, textiles, or other valuable items. The Uang Panai ritual is more than simply a formality. It also symbolizes the symbiotic relationship of two families to come together and deepen their bonds during the time. In conclusion, the Uang Panai tradition is a unique cultural practice in the Makassar community and reflects the values or beliefs of its community. This tradition has stood the test of time and remains an essential aspect of the Makassar culture as part of Indonesia. 

Chasing Dreams to South Korea: Meet Our GKS Awardee

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Nindy Fachuli Jannah, an alumnus of the English Language Education Department Universitas Islam Indonesia, has been awarded to pursue a Master’s Degree by South Korea’s prestigious scholarship called Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). Global Korea Scholarship is a scholarship program for international students to elevate international education exchange and deepen mutual friendship between Korea and participating countries. 

Nindy was granted this scholarship for her outstanding academic merit and non-academic performances in a community. Nindy will study for a Master of Education at Kongju University in Gongju, South Korea. She will get a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodations throughout her study. 

It is not solely lucky for Nindy to get this scholarship. She planned and seized every opportunity along the way. She held several leadership roles, such as head of study and research division that organized many projects, workshops, webinars, and volunteer activities; member of Central Language Improvement (CLI); facilitator during online learning. 

“Through those activities, I learned to manage myself and others, to be a good leader, to solve problems, work together as a team, lead a team, develop communication skills, and be a good leader that positively impacts others.”

Not stopping there, Nindy is passionate about carrying out community services due to her dedication to the surrounding society. She became a mentor in speaking training for senior high school students and joined Asia Pacific Youth SDGs Summit 2021 program to present her voice toward equal education. 

“Here, I do a project to socialize society about education. I presented that project in front of international audiences.”

Nindy also participated in the International Youth Connect: South Korea to communicate with others. She also gained 2nd place in the Korea E-Course Program in collaboration with Dankook University, which focuses on promoting Indonesian culture in Korea. 

“From those experiences, I learned many things and broadened my knowledge, experiences, and skills at the international level. Also, I can put all of my immersive experiences to upgrading my portfolio because it naturally links to my expertise in education.” 

Here are some tips and tricks from Nindy for you if you want to take the same pathway as her:

  1. Maintaining your GPA is essential. 
  2. Take part in both academic and non-academic activities. 
  3. Take an IELTS/TOEFL IBT/TOEIC (depends on your destination country)
  4. Searching for information you needed to apply for a scholarship abroad. 
  5. Prepare administrative documents way before its due (study plan, recommendation letters, personal statement, etc.).
  6. Apply and pray. 

Written by Ninik Tri Astutik

Exploring Yogyakarta’s Rich History: A Journey through Vredeburg Fort Museum

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Photo via Wikipedia

Written by Amelia Putri

Edited by Ninik Tri Astutik

 

Do you know there is a very famous museum in Yogyakarta? If we cross Jalan Malioboro, along this road up to zero kilometers, we will find commercial and colonial buildings, including Vredeburg Fort Museum. Have you heard about this building? It’s your sign to come to this Museum if you haven’t. But how do we go to the Museum? To get to the Vredeburg Museum, we can use public or private transportation, and you can freely choose which one you prefer. One public transportation we can use in Yogyakarta is Trans Jogja. Then, what is Trans Jogja?

Trans Jogja is a public transportation widely used by Jogja people, from young to adults. Trans Jogja runs daily from 05:30 to 21:30, except on special days when the operating hours’ change. With these hours of operation, it will be easier for the local community to use the Trans Jogja. First, you can wait at the bus stop near your house. The bus will stop every ten minutes. Second, you have to buy a ticket that costs around Rp. 3,600, and Rp. 2,700 when you’re on a subscription. Along the way up to the Museum, you will stop at the Malioboro bus stop. Arriving at the Museum, you pay Rp. 3,000 for the entrance tickets and you can see everything in the Museum. Then, what is Museum Vredeburg? And what will you see in this Museum? 

Vredeburg Fort Museum is one of the buildings that has become a silent witness to historical events in Yogyakarta since the Dutch colonial arrived in Yogyakarta. The Vredeburg Fort Museum has four diorama rooms. Diorama 1 consists of 11 mini-ramas depicting events from the time of Prince Diponegoro to the Japanese occupation of Yogyakarta. Diorama 2 consists of 19 mini-ramas depicting the historical events of Proclamation Day from the Dutch Military Aggression in Indonesia. Diorama 3 consists of 18 mini-ramas depicting events from the Renville Agreement to the recognition of the sovereignty of the United States of Indonesia. Diorama 4 consists of 7 mini-ramas that depict historical events from the period of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia to the New Order period. 

When I visited the Museum, one room caught my attention: the digital diorama. The diorama was displayed with a projector and explained about “Serangan Umum 1 Maret.” This immersive experience made me understand better and appreciate the value of Yogyakarta’s history. A visit to the Vredeburg Fort Museum truly enriches the passage of time and offers a deeper understanding of the historical events that shaped this city. 

For this reason, the Vredeburg Fort Museum is a must-visit destination for a glimpse into the historical events in Yogyakarta. With four diorama rooms, the Museum beautifully presents key moments to enhance our self-awareness of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. A visit to this famous Museum is a journey that will make visitors feel the deep historical significance of this region.