To promote awareness about the importance of fostering good relationships with neighbors, Universitas Brawijaya (UB) conducted a community service program at Puncak Permata Sengkalang Housing Complex, Sumbersekar, Dau, Malang. The program targeted the women of Dasawisma Kunyit 2, RT 03/RW 06, focusing on preventing conflicts among residents in the neighborhood.
The community service team, led by Dr. Ika Ruhana, S.Sos, M.Si, included UB faculty members Dr. Nur Imamah, Dr. Anni Rahimah, Rieka Happy Sugiastuti, S.AB, M.AB, and Arik Prasetya, S.Sos, M.Si, Ph.D, along with student participant Rayhan Firdaus. The event featured discussions and guidance on maintaining positive relations with neighbors as a means to avoid disputes.
Dr. Ika Ruhana highlighted how conflicts often arise due to a lack of communication and understanding of mutual rights and responsibilities. “Honoring neighbors is a part of faith. Prophet Muhammad SAW taught us the importance of caring for neighbors, whether they live close by or far away. Acts such as sharing meals and showing kindness strengthen these bonds,” she explained.
Dr. Anni Rahimah complemented this by sharing practical examples of fostering good neighborly relations in daily life. She emphasized that small gestures, such as greeting neighbors or offering help during challenging times, can significantly enhance harmony within the community.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session led by Rieka Happy Sugiastuti, S.AB, M.AB. Participants enthusiastically discussed real-life scenarios and strategies to handle situations that might lead to conflicts in their neighborhood.
“We hope this program inspires residents to value and maintain good relationships with their neighbors, creating a more harmonious and supportive environment,” Dr. Ika Ruhana stated in her closing remarks.
This community service initiative is expected to serve as a starting point for building collective awareness about the significance of strong neighborly ties, fostering a more peaceful and united society.
