A warm and joyful atmosphere filled the Halal Bihalal (post-Eid gathering) held by the Tourism Department of the Faculty of Social Science Education (FPIPS), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) recently. Attended by lecturers and academic staff, the event became a heartfelt moment of togetherness and reconnection following the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Initiated by the Event Coordinator, Taufik Abdullah, Ph.D., the gathering successfully brought together all study programs under the Tourism Department. The Catering Industry Management (MIK) program had the honor of hosting the event, with several of its lecturers also serving as part of the organizing committee. Meanwhile, all lecturers and staff from the Catering Industry Management (MIK), Resort and Leisure Management (MRL), Tourism Marketing Management (MPP), Tourism Education (Dikpar), and Master in Tourism Studies (MPar) programs participated enthusiastically in the celebration.
The event began with a prayer led by Agus Sudono, S.E., M.M., followed by a welcoming speech from the coordinator and a meaningful address delivered by Dr. Wawan Darmawan, S.Pd., M.Hum., Vice Dean II for Human Resources and Finance. Each program head also delivered brief remarks, peppered with humorous rhymes that sparked laughter and light-hearted joy among the attendees.
After the formal session, the event moved on to the much-anticipated communal meal. A delightful array of traditional Indonesian dishes was served, adding to the festive and familial vibe of the gathering.
More than just a post-Eid reunion, this Halal Bihalal served as an informal yet meaningful platform for discussion. Dr. Fitri Rahmafitria, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, took the opportunity to encourage all academic members to reflect and collaborate on future plans for academic development and interdisciplinary cooperation.
This event symbolized more than a celebration—it was a testament to the strong unity within the Tourism Department at UPI. With such a spirit of collaboration, the academic community is hopeful to continue advancing excellent, adaptive, and industry-relevant tourism education.