The University of Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara’s academic community (UMSU) sacrificed 58 animals in celebration of Idul Adha 1444 H. The sacrificial ritual occurred at the Captain Mukhtar Basri Campus, with 42 animals sacrificed there, while the remaining 16 were distributed to the local community and several areas, including Jaring Halus Village, Langkat, on Wednesday (June 28).
The symbolic handover of sacrificial animals to the community surrounding the campus was performed by UMSU’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, to the residents of Lingkungan 3 Glugur Darat II, Medan Timur, at Jalan Ampera 8, behind the main UMSU campus. Vice Rector I, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin Gultom, M.Hum, Vice Rector II, Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd, Vice Rector III, Assoc attended the event. Prof. Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, faculty leaders, institutions, and community members as recipients of the sacrificial animals.
Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, the Rector, stated that distributing sacrificial animals to the community is a routine activity during the celebration of Idul Adha. The act of giving sacrificial animals is a form of gratitude and care.
“We are grateful that this activity, which has been carried out regularly for several years, is still being conducted. This is UMSU’s commitment to compassion and togetherness during the Idul Adha festivities. It is held at the Muchtar Basri campus and the other two UMSU campuses,” he expressed.
Rector Prof. Agussani emphasized that UMSU’s existence is inseparable from the surrounding community’s support. The presence of UMSU students living in the community requires attention to security and support to ensure they can pursue their studies effectively. It is hoped that this activity can foster a sense of togetherness and ownership and strengthen the bond between UMSU and the surrounding community.
“Considering the incidents involving our students some time ago, let us maintain the campus environment together. UMSU truly recognizes the importance of security and maintaining good relations with the community,” said Prof. Agussani. He expressed his hope that in the upcoming Idul Adha celebrations, UMSU will continue its efforts to provide sacrificial animals as a form of care and togetherness amidst difficult economic conditions.
Meanwhile, the Head of Lingkungan 3, Glugur Darat II, Firnando Nasution, representing the community, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Rector and the entire academic community of UMSU for directly handing over two sacrificial animals to the residents of Lingkungan 3.
“This procession has been taking place for several years, and UMSU always demonstrates its social care. Alhamdulillah, Pak Rector, we have counted the eligible residents. Hopefully, the sacrificial animals from UMSU will benefit the community. May UMSU continue to prosper through its compassion,” said the Head of Lingkungan 3.
He emphasized the positive synergy between UMSU and the local authorities throughout the years. The surrounding community highly values UMSU’s presence, and therefore, it needs to be consistently nurtured.
Furthermore, the Rector symbolically handed over the sacrificial animals to the Lingkungan 8 Glugur Darat II community, Medan Timur. If UMSU provided one animal last year, this year, UMSU fulfilled its promise by donating two sacrificial animals to the residents of Lingkungan 8.
Compared to previous years, there has been an increase in the number of sacrificial animals from UMSU, rising from 42 to 58. In addition to contributions from the academic community, the sacrificial animals were donated by partners, including BNI Bank.
Not only has there been an increase in the quantity, but the process of slaughtering the sacrificial animals has also improved by involving the food security and livestock agency. These officials ensure the quality of the meat to be distributed to the public and that any unfit meat is properly disposed of.