A crisis is not just an unexpected emergency situation. It is the accumulation of problems that were not anticipated with a well thought out scenario.
This was emphasized by national figure Anies Rasyid Baswedan in a study entitled “Stepping Aside in the Midst of Crisis: Reading the Reality of Public Trust Today.” This study was part of the Ramadan Festival held by the Al Hurriyyah Mosque at IPB University on Saturday (2/21).
“We often say ‘how will it be later’, when we should be saying ‘later how’ so that we don’t face a crisis situation,” he said in front of thousands of student worshippers who packed the mosque.
According to him, a problem cannot simply be left to time to solve. When stakeholders are accustomed to developing various scenarios for possible outcomes, most problems become easier to predict.
He gave an example that if the signs of decline in a sector are left unaddressed without systematic anticipatory measures, it will inevitably lead to a crisis that causes harm. Anies emphasized the importance of critical and innovative thinking in order to solve old problems with new approaches.
“We strive to be learners. Learning or studying new things is important, but what is often much more difficult is to unlearn, that is, the courage to abandon methods, approaches, and ways of thinking that are no longer relevant,” he explained.
Highlighting today’s reality, Anies emphasized that the biggest task facing the nation and Muslims is the crisis of integrity. He reminded IPB University students that the title of khaira ummah (the best community) is not a privilege, but a great responsibility towards humanity and the honest safeguarding of trust.
“The currency of the future, the most valuable thing to use in transactions, is trust, which is firmly rooted in integrity. If integrity is not addressed, then young people will not be able to survive in this country,” Anies asserted.
Responding to students’ skepticism about leadership in times of crisis, he emphasized that the advantage of integrity is its authenticity. Campuses are required to be oases that provide a sense of security and uphold the value of truth outside the university walls. The main sign that a leader is trusted, he added, is when he or she is followed voluntarily by the community.
This discussion, which sparked critical awareness, was part of the 1447 H Ramadan Celebration at the Al Hurriyyah Mosque, IPB. In addition to presenting substantial intellectual studies, this activity also became a center of solidarity for the academic community.
Throughout the holy month, the organizing committee consistently distributed 1.000 portions of iftar meal packages and 300 portions of free suhoor meals daily. This systematic initiative underscores Masjid Al Hurriyyah’s role as an inclusive and supportive “second home” for IPB University students amidst their busy academic schedules. (IAAS/EPK)
