On Monday afternoon, April 6, 2026, the C7 Hall of FISIP at Sekaran, Gunungpati, Semarang was more than just a meeting space. A number of lecturers and administrative staff gathered to bid farewell to one of their colleagues, Kuntaswati affectionately known as Bu Kun—who concluded nearly two decades of service.
The farewell ceremony was modest, yet deeply meaningful. In his remarks, Prof. Arif Purnomo delivered congratulations along with his prayers. “Congratulations on reaching retirement. Alhamdulillah, you are in good health. May those of us who have not yet retired continue to be entrusted with our duties in good health and well-being,” he said, emphasizing that retirement is not merely an end, but also an achievement.
During her 19 years at FISIP, Kuntaswati was more than an administrative staff member. She became part of the campus’s daily rhythm, supporting academic activities across the Geography Study Program, Civic Education (PPKn), and the library. Her transitions between units broadened her connections and strengthened her role in fostering a warm and collegial working environment.
To her colleagues, Bu Kun is an irreplaceable figure. “She is kind, motherly, and always willing to guide others. We often shared laughter together,” said Suharyati, reflecting the collective sentiment expressed that afternoon.
As the event drew to a close, Kuntaswati delivered her farewell with a voice that trembled at times. She acknowledged that her long journey at FISIP had been a continuous learning process from initially being unfamiliar with laboratory environments to eventually adapting to work in the library.
Over time, she found more than just professional relationships. “UNNES feels like my own family, my second home,” she said.
She also expressed her apologies to all colleagues for any shortcomings or unintended remarks during her years of interaction. Entering retirement, Kuntaswati plans to dedicate her time to caring for her 91-year-old father.
At the end of the ceremony, attendees extended their congratulations to the cooking enthusiast. It was not merely the closing of a formal event, but a tribute to the long journey of an administrative staff member who had become an integral part of the teaching and learning activities at FISIP.
