By Fazeena Saleem
Upholding their unique traditions, the Indonesian embassy in Doha is preparing to observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Many events will be organised by the Indonesian embassy for its community living in and outside Doha.
There are various traditions followed in different provinces of Indonesia to welcome Ramadan. Although traditions may differ, the spirit remains the same, which is joyful and gratefulness.
In Indonesia iftar is called ‘buka puasa,’ which means ‘to open the fast.’ Markets sell various foods for iftar, including dates, which is very popular, as well as unique Indonesian food and drinks such as kolak, es kelapa muda, es buah, es campur, cendol or dawet.
Deddy Saiful Hadi, Indonesian ambassador to Doha, said that in West Java province, where he comes from, people celebrate Ramadan by often going out before dusk with friends or family to welcome the moment of buka puasa—which means breaking the fast. They call it ‘Ngabuburit.’ There are various activities during ngabuburit starting from playing sports with friends, sightseeing and religious activities like spending time in mosque and reciting the holy Quran.
On Saturday the ambassador Hadi and his wife Endang Deddy Hadi hosted journalists at their residence in West Bay to share Ramadan traditions followed in Indonesia and to speak about the events organsied for their community here.
A total of 39 000 Indonesians are residing in Qatar including many working in different sectors and their family members.
“This year, Ramadan is in the extreme summer heat and will be longer, the Indonesian Embassy would like to remind Indonesian diaspora in Qatar to prepare physically prior to the month-long fasting by consuming nutritious foods and enough supply of water when performing Suhoor,” said Hadi.
On the eve of Ramadan, ‘Tarhib Ramadan’ (Marhaban Ya Ramadan), an event organised by the Indonesian embassy together with the Indonesian Muslim Society in Qatar (IMSQA) under the auspices of the Association of the Indonesian Community in Qatar (PERMIQA), will be held at the embassy premises in New Salata.
Two Muslim scholars (Ustadz) will be invited from Indonesia in order to give spiritual lectures (tausiyah) followed by Tarawih prayer together.
On June 23, an Iftar Banquette will be organized by Indonesian Embassy at Indonesian Ambassador’s residence, initialed by giving spiritual lectures (tausiyah) to the attendees of Indonesian community while waiting for Iftar and continue with Tarawih prayer together.
The Safari Ramadan, which will also include Iftar, spiritual lectures (tausiyah) and Tarawih prayer together at different places in Doha, Al Khor, Dukhan, Mesaieed and Al Wakrah.
Similarly representatives of the Indonesian embassy will visit places where Indonesian workers live in Al Khor, Dukhan, Mesaieed and Al Wakrah for Iftar, giving spiritual lectures and sharing the true spirit of Ramadan.
On the Seventeenth Day of Fasting (Ramadan 17), the Indonesian Muslim community in Qatar will gather at the embassy premises to mark the Nuzulul Quran 1436H.
The Indonesian Embassy in Doha in cooperation with IMSQA-PERMIQA will organize Eid Al Fitr prayer along with the Indonesian Muslim community in Qatar at the Tariq Bin Ziyad Independent Preparatory School for Boys.
Ambassador and his wife on the first day of Eid Al Fitr holds an Open House reception at their residence to all Indonesian community and expatriates in Qatar to strengthen the relationship. The Lebaran-style food and delicacies like Ketupat Sayur, Opor Ayam, Sambal Goreng Kentang, Rendang and Tape Ketan Hitam will be served on the occasion. The Peninsula
