Minister of Religious Affairs Urges UIN Jakarta’s Green Walk to Become a Healthy Lifestyle
Ragunan Zoo, UIN News Online – The Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., officially opened the UIN Green Walk event, which was attended by around 1,000 participants. Organized by UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, the event was part of the series commemorating the university's 69th Anniversary (Dies Natalis), while encouraging the academic community to build healthy living habits through walking. The event took place at Ragunan Zoo on Saturday (26/09/2026).
The event was attended by the leadership of UIN Jakarta, including Rector Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D.; Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmad Tholabi Kharlie, S.Ag., S.H., M.H., M.A.; Vice Rector for General Administration Prof. Dr. Imam Subchi, M.A.; Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Ali Munhanif, M.A., Ph.D.; Acting Head of the Bureau of Academic Administration, Student Affairs, and Cooperation (AAKK) Rahmawati, S.Psi., M.M.; Chairman of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia Nuzran Joher, S.Ag., M.Si.; Secretary General of the Central MUI Dr. Amirsyah Tambunan, M.A.; Head of the Green Campus Development Center Prof. Dr. Hendrawati, M.Si.; Head of the Academic Division Rahmawati, S.Psi., M.M.; as well as deans and officials across UIN Jakarta.
In his remarks, the Minister of Religious Affairs expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the Green Walk as part of UIN Jakarta's 69th Anniversary. According to him, the event serves as a space to restore a fresher spiritual atmosphere and rationality through physical activity in an open-air environment.
"So, I hope that through this morning's event, we try to recreate a fresher spiritual atmosphere and rationality," said the Minister.
The Minister explained that selecting the Green Walk concept also holds a meaning associated with freshness. He linked it to the principle of balance between physical and mental health, so that walking is not merely viewed as exercise, but also as part of an effort to maintain personal quality.
"'Green' represents green, and green means a source or symbol of freshness. Mens sana in corpore sano [a sound mind in a sound body]. Al-aqlus salim fil jismis salim [a healthy mind lies in a healthy body]," he stated.
Furthermore, the Minister invited participants to take the Prophet Muhammad SAW as an example in maintaining physical fitness. He noted that the Prophet was known for his strong physical condition and that walking can be one of the habits emulated in daily life.
"I want to remind all of us that what we are doing today is one of the things exemplified by the Prophet, because our Prophet Muhammad SAW was athletic," he said.
The Minister then connected the walking activity to the Prophet's habit of taking different routes when going to and returning from prayers. According to him, this habit can serve as an inspiration so that people do not treat physical activity as something done only occasionally.
"This means taking morning walks, just as we will do here. Therefore, this Green Walk event serves as a reminder for us to be grateful for fresh air, as such air still exists in DKI Jakarta," he expressed.
The Minister also encouraged UIN Jakarta to organize similar events regularly. According to him, the presence of open spaces with lush trees around Ragunan offers an opportunity to enjoy the environment while exercising together.
"I think the Rector shouldn't host a fun walk event only once a year, or once every solar eclipse. Basically, if possible, this needs to be held regularly," he remarked.
The UIN Green Walk featured a group exercise concept along a 5-kilometer route. Participants received souvenirs including polo shirts and bags, with the opportunity to win door prizes. The event ran from 06:00 to 11:00 WIB at Ragunan Zoo.
The Minister officially opened the event before participants set off on the Green Walk route. He then offered his wishes for a good workout and invited all participants to enjoy the morning atmosphere in Ragunan with full gratitude.
"By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby declare this Green Walk event open," he said.
Through this Green Walk, the Minister positioned physical activity as part of efforts to maintain a healthy balance between body and mind. For the academic community of UIN Jakarta, the event is expected not to end merely as a commemorative agenda for the 69th Anniversary, but to evolve into a regular habit of exercising and enjoying green environments.