Parents and Guardians Emotionally Welcome Their Children's Graduation at the 136th Ceremony; Heartfelt Stories of UIN Jakarta Graduates' Parents

Ciputat, UIN Online News - An emotional atmosphere enveloped the 136th Graduation Ceremony of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN) Jakarta, Saturday (24/05/2025). Hundreds of togas filled the Harun Nasution Auditorium. However, that day did not only belong to the graduates. Behind the laughter and proud smiles radiating from the graduates, there were tears of joy from parents who for years had witnessed, supported, and strengthened their children's struggles.

Wissatria, a father from Ciawi, looked on with gratitude as he watched his son, Muhammad Rifardi, graduate from the Indonesian Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Sciences. His feelings were simple yet profound: happy. But behind that, he held a story of no small struggle.

“Regarding the cost, initially, I was really confused. I never thought I could keep paying until graduation. But alhamdulillah, there was always a way. Sustenance kept coming, from who knows where,” said Wissatria.

From Bogor, Akmal Ferdiansyah attended on behalf of his parents to support his younger brother, Muhammad Rizki, a graduate of the Social Sciences Education Study Program. Rizki had to divide his time between college and a part-time job. His parents supported him from home by opening a small stall. Even so, Rizki still wanted to be independent.

“He often came home late at night. Sometimes he only came home to sleep, then left again immediately. If he had assignments, he could stay up until morning,” said Akmal.

“Actually, his parents had guaranteed his education costs and daily accommodation, but Rizki himself still wanted to earn extra. Alhamdulillah, now he has also started teaching a little at an educational institution,” he added.

Akmal also hoped that ease would always accompany his younger brother in navigating life after this graduation moment. Akmal also prayed for the best for all the happy graduates on this day.

“May Rizki find it easy to get a job. For all the graduates too, may your steps be smooth and your careers bright.”

Meanwhile, Damun Suhani, the father of Taufikul Hakim Al Muqsit, could not hide his pride and emotion as he watched his son go up on stage. Taufik, a graduate of the Chemistry Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, studied for almost six years. His father's long struggle was an important part of that success.

“I once had to struggle here and there. Sometimes I worked hard until night, so Taufik could continue his studies. The important thing was that his studies were not disturbed. Alhamdulillah, now it has all paid off,” said Damun emotionally.

However, not all struggles were material. For Millati, a graduate of the English Language Education Study Program, the biggest support came in the form of emotional attention. Her father, Nanang, expressed his pride.

“I am happy because, however, this is an achievement reached through the child's earnestness,” said Nanang.

Meanwhile, her mother shared another side of the struggle. Gentle, patient, yet full of love. She told how she accompanied Millati through times of academic crisis, until she finally managed to finish her studies in her seventh year.

“Adinda graduated in her seventh year, the final year of her studies. Towards the end of her academic crisis, of course, as a parent, I had to help in any way possible,” said the mother.

“I often said, come on, child, finish it. I knew she was mentally tired, so I approached her more gently. I often took her out, sat together at a cafe. I supported my child emotionally and alhamdulillah, it’s finally over today,” the mother concluded.

It was not easy to express that happiness with words, but the smile on the mother's face told enough. A mother's quiet struggle finally bore sweet fruit. Millati now stands in her toga, carrying new hope, born from patient support and love unseen on paper.

This graduation procession was not just an academic ceremony, but a celebration of perseverance, love, and sacrifice. It became a meeting point between hopes once whispered only in prayers, and the reality that now stands proudly on stage. For the hundreds of families present that day, graduation was the culmination of a long struggle and the beginning of a new chapter towards a better future.

(Muhammad Hanif A./Zaenal M./Noeni Indah S./Photo: PIH Photographer)