UNIDA Gontor – Ahmad Gagah Gattuso, an eighth-semester student of the Arabic Language Education Department, Faculty of Tarbiyah, at Universitas Darussalam Gontor (UNIDA Gontor), has been entrusted to serve as a da’i and imam throughout the holy month of Ramadan 1447 H in New Zealand.
The appointment was made by MyFundAction New Zealand under its sponsor, where he has been serving since February 16, 2026. During Ramadan, he is stationed at MYDC (MyFundAction Youth Development Centre) in Queenstown, an annual Ramadan initiative organized by the institution.
In this role, Gagah leads the five daily prayers, Subh, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, on a regular basis. He also delivers the Friday khutbah and leads the Tarawih prayer every evening, accompanied by a five-minute tazkirah (short reminder) delivered in English. In addition, he contributes to other Ramadan programs, including iftar gatherings, youth halaqah sessions, and Arabic language classes for the local community.
The Muslim community in Queenstown represents a minority population, consisting largely of migrant workers from diverse backgrounds, including Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Fiji, Indonesia, and Māori communities. Despite the relatively small congregation, ranging from 3 to 6 attendees for daily prayers, 10 to 15 for Tarawih, and 20 to 40 for Friday prayer, the spirit of unity remains a central message in his sermons.
“We are all in this together as a community, and we will strive spiritually together,” Gagah stated, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among Muslims living as minorities.
He also expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve abroad. “Alhamdulillah, Allah allows me to have this precious opportunity, and I hope I can contribute as much as possible to the centre and the community,” he said. He further added, “MyFundAction NZ has been the best host ever, alhamdulillah.”
This Ramadan program in Queenstown is not the first collaboration involving UNIDA Gontor students. Two years prior, the appointed Ramadan imam was Muhammad Wahyudi, M.Pd., Head of the Arabic Language Education Department at UNIDA Gontor, demonstrating the continuity of trust and contribution between the institution and global Islamic initiatives.
Gagah acknowledged that his educational and spiritual formation at UNIDA Gontor played a crucial role in preparing him for this responsibility. The integration of Islamic studies, Arabic proficiency, and character-building values, especially the Panca Jiwa (Five Spirits) of Gontor: Sincerity, Simplicity, Self-Sufficiency, Islamic Brotherhood, and Freedom, have shaped his readiness to serve diverse Muslim communities beyond Indonesia.
His involvement in this international Ramadan mission reflects the broader vision of UNIDA Gontor in nurturing graduates who contribute to global da’wah and community development. Through dedication, adaptability, and commitment to Islamic values, UNIDA students continue to represent the university’s mission on the international stage.
Author: Ahamd Gagah Gattuso
Editor: Tubagus Novalul Barokah
