The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced through its official social media account on Tuesday (Feb 17, 2026) that the first day of Ramadan 1447 H will fall on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Muslims across Indonesia are now preparing to welcome the holy month, including adjustments to academic and office activities.
At Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), working hours during Ramadan have been adjusted through Circular Letter Number B/3575/UN37/KP.08.03/2026 on the Determination of Working Hours During Ramadan at UNNES.
According to the circular, working hours from Monday to Thursday are set from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a break from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. On Fridays, working hours run from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. During Ramadan, morning assemblies and physical exercise sessions are suspended.
Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNNES, Prof. Arif Purnomo, encouraged students to remain enthusiastic in attending classes throughout the fasting month.
“Stay motivated in attending lectures during Ramadan. Make this a momentum to strengthen faith and character through the study of each student’s respective discipline,” he said.
Ramadan also brings a unique atmosphere to the Sekaran campus area in Gunungpati, Semarang. The tradition of ngabuburit spending time together while waiting for iftar and hunting for takjil (light snacks for breaking the fast) has become a highly anticipated moment for students.
Salsa Aprilia, a fourth-semester History student, said that breaking the fast with friends is one of the most memorable experiences, despite heavy traffic around the campus area.
“Breaking fast with friends. But it’s really congested around Sekaran near campus. Honestly, though, it’s fun to look for food here with friends while waiting for iftar,” she said.
Muhammad Irfan Setiawan, an eighth-semester Civic Education (PPKN) student, shared a similar sentiment. He said what he misses most is spending time together during ngabuburit.
“What I miss is ngabuburit with friends,” he said.
Meanwhile, Arjuna Enzo, a second-semester Political Science student, is looking forward to searching for takjil before iftar, especially in the Patemon area.
“Looking for takjil before breaking the fast, ngabuburit around Patemon,” he said.
With the official start of Ramadan and the adjustment of campus activities, the UNNES academic community is expected to remain productive while embracing the holy month as a time for reflection, character building, and togetherness.
