FMIPA UII – At the start of 2024, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII) implemented an innovative new policy for its lecturers and staff. This policy introduces a communal lunch program that began on Monday, January 15, 2024, or 3 Rajab 1445 H. The program is expected not only to strengthen relationships among staff members but also to help with budget efficiency and ensure equal meal distribution for all lecturers and employees.

This policy is the result of an initiative by FMIPA UII leadership after conducting evaluations over the past few years. According to them, the communal lunch can foster a friendlier atmosphere among the academic community at FMIPA UII. Previously, meals were only provided during meetings, which often were not enjoyed by all staff, despite the large budget allocated. Each faculty or study program meeting usually included catering, resulting in doubled consumption costs, especially if a staff member attended more than one meeting in a day.

Based on this evaluation, the FMIPA leadership meeting on January 9, 2024, decided to remove catering services from all internal faculty meetings. Meals will now only be provided during specific events such as guest receptions, PSPA oath ceremonies, seminars, accreditations, internship examinations, and thesis defenses. As a substitute, all lecturers and staff can enjoy a daily communal lunch provided during workdays in the Integrated Services area of FMIPA UII during the lunch break.

Dean of FMIPA UII, Prof. Riyanto, Ph.D., stated that many positive outcomes have resulted from this communal lunch program. “Aside from budget savings, the sense of togetherness created by these communal lunches is priceless. All lecturers, staff, lab technicians, security personnel, and cleaning staff can meet and talk about various topics, from work to casual discussions, which ultimately strengthens our bonds,” expressed Prof. Riyanto.

This communal lunch takes place every weekday, Monday to Friday, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, offering a variety of menu options. FMIPA UII collaborates with rotating catering vendors, including catering businesses run by FMIPA community members. Each day, around 100 to 120 lunch boxes are provided, with a budget ranging from Rp 20,000 to Rp 25,000 per meal. The program is intended to be enjoyed by the entire academic community, including lecturers, staff, lab assistants, security personnel, and cleaning staff, without needing to participate in meetings.

With this program, FMIPA UII hopes to create a more harmonious and collegial work environment while maintaining efficient use of the faculty’s budget.