Padepokan Aufklarung VI Short Course by Al Hikmah Institute Concludes, Participants Present Critical Reflections

The closing ceremony of the Padepokan Aufklarung VI short course, organized by Al Hikmah Institute Makassar in collaboration with the Center for Eastern Indonesia Studies (CEIS), took place on Tuesday (January 20, 2026). This event marked the end of an intensive 32 days learning process that ran from December 20, 2025, to January 20, 2026.

The closing of the program was not merely ceremonial. Instead, the forum served as a space for expression and critical reflection for the participants. Through various performative presentations—such as poetry readings, scientific orations, and musical performances—participants conveyed ideas, intellectual concerns, and social critiques that emerged from the learning process throughout the training.

In his remarks, the Director of Al Hikmah Institute, Juliadi Solong, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all speakers, the steering committee, the Master of Training, and the organizing committee for their dedication and sacrifices, which ensured the successful implementation of the entire Padepokan Aufklarung VI program. He gave special recognition to Nur Ramadhan La Udu (Ragen), the coordinator of the steering committee.

According to Juliadi, Ragen played a highly significant role in overseeing the course of the program. “He devoted his time and energy extraordinarily, spending more time in the forum than at home, to ensure that every stage of the program ran optimally,” he stated.

In his address, Juliadi also emphasized that the desire to change and to achieve higher goals is a fundamental motivation, both for individuals and societies. He stressed that world history shows a common pattern in social transformation. “Whether social change driven by society, as in Western Europe, or change led by elites or intellectuals, as in China and America, all share one key element: critical rationality,” he explained.

The closing session continued with the announcement of participant graduations by the Coordinator of the Steering Committee, followed by the presentation of certificates by Andi Ashim Amir. The moment was met with enthusiastic applause from the participants.

The Padepokan Aufklarung program concluded with a session of messages and impressions from the participants as a form of reflection on the intensive month-long training.

Maryam, a participant from Kalimantan, shared in her testimony that the one-month duration felt short but left a deep impression. She stated that the training not only provided meaningful knowledge but also built a strong sense of familial bonds among participants. Serious classroom discussions interspersed with laughter became an unforgettable experience. She expressed hope that Al Hikmah Institute would continue to be a “candle” that ignites intellectual passion without extinguishing individual uniqueness.

Meanwhile, M. Irgy Ramanzah from Kolaka described the learning atmosphere at Al Hikmah Institute as comfortable and open. According to him, the instructors not only delivered material systematically but also provided motivation and constructive guidance. He hoped that in the future, the learning methods would continue to be developed to become more varied and engaging.

Another participant, Muhammad Samsul Rahman from Polewali Mandar, West Sulawesi, shared his impressions in the form of a poetic reflection. He described his learning experience at Al Hikmah as an enlightening process that was both liberating and disciplining. Strict rules and the demanding pace of the training, he said, were part of the process of building character and intellectual resilience. Memories of togetherness with fellow participants, organizers, and instructors were described as experiences that would remain deeply ingrained.

The closing of Padepokan Aufklarung VI took place in an emotional atmosphere. Several participants were seen shedding tears, marking the end of a learning journey that not only transferred knowledge but also fostered bonds, awareness, and the courage to think critically.