The atrium of the Universitas Gadjah Mada Faculty of Dentistry was filled with hundreds of lecturers, staff, and students on Friday, 13 June 2025, who gathered to take part in Dahar Kembul—a communal meal initiated by the Islamic Communication Forum (FKI) of FKG UGM.
Dahar Kembul comes from the Javanese language, meaning “eating together in one place.” The tradition reflects values of togetherness, humility, and mutual cooperation. In Javanese culture, communal dining is not merely about sharing food, but also a way to strengthen social bonds and reduce social barriers.
This tradition is commonly practiced in community events, from kenduri and kerja bakti (community service), to family gatherings. By sitting together and sharing the same food, a sense of kinship and unity naturally emerges. It was this spirit that FKG UGM sought to revive within its academic community through Dahar Kembul.
drg. Mohammad Fadyl Yunizar, MPH., Ph.D., Chair of FKI FKG UGM, explained that the event aimed to foster unity and share happiness among all members of the faculty. “The concept of communal dining was chosen because it is something everyone at FKG UGM can enjoy and relate to,” he said.
The dishes served carried the spirit of Iduladha, with menus such as goat tengkleng, beef head, and fried lungs (paru serundeng). The atmosphere was warm and lively as participants sat together, enjoying meals that were not only delicious but also rich in the meaning of togetherness.
The Dahar Kembul tradition was first initiated in 2023, shortly after the pandemic, though it was initially limited to committee members involved in the Iduladha qurban event. This year, it was expanded to include the entire academic community.
“The response has been very positive. God willing, we will hold it again next year,” added Fadyl. He also expressed hope that the event would strengthen bonds among lecturers, staff, and students, creating a more harmonious environment on campus.
Dean of FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., appreciated the initiative for creating a warm and friendly atmosphere within the faculty. For future events, he suggested serving meals per plate to minimize long queues and make the gathering more comfortable.
Through events like this, FKG UGM demonstrates its commitment to building an academic climate that not only focuses on knowledge development but also on nurturing interpersonal relationships within the campus. The tradition of Dahar Kembul is expected to be preserved as part of efforts to create a harmonious and inclusive learning and working environment.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
