Islamabad : The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia held Eid Gathering called Halal Bihalal, in collaboration with the Ramazan Committee of the Indonesian Students Association (PBR PPMI) Pakistan, says a press release.
The event included decorations and providing Indonesian special Eid menus, said a release issued here.
To facilitate transportation for students from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) campus to the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad, the Indonesian Embassy provided three minibuses for pick and drop.
The minibuses were quite helpful for them, as the Embassy’s vehicles have easier access to the Diplomatic Enclave where the Indonesian Embassy located.
“Patriotism is a fitrah or human nature since all human beings naturally want peace,” said Ibnu, a postgraduate student in Arabic Literature at IIUI.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Chandra W. Sukotjo, participated in the Eid prayer and Halal Bihalal gathering, accompanied by his wife, Tamara Y. Sukotjo.
Diplomats and staff from the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad also accompanied the Ambassador and engaged with the Indonesian community.
“The synergy between the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad and the Indonesian community is critical, especially in promoting the Embassy’s area of public diplomacy,” said the Ambassador who was formerly part of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force in various countries.
All Eid prayer participants received coupons to exchange for a portion of the Indonesian special menus of Eid such ‘Lontong’ or compressed rice cakes served with ‘Opor Ayam’ or Indonesian coconut chicken curry.
“The Ambassador and Madam are like our parents. Even though we are far from our families, the Eid prayer and Halal Bihalal at the Embassy are remedy for homesickness,” said Neng Yofa, an Indonesian student at IIUI.
The Eid gathering at the Embassy’s premises has been held for many years to provide a space for the Indonesian community to reconnect, share traditions, and foster a sense of community while living abroad.
The Eid gathering features social interaction that mimics the atmosphere of home, helping to alleviate the longing for family and culture.
At the end, all participants received snacks and Indomie noodles supplied by Indomie factory in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
“For us, Ramazan is a month to compete to be the best. There are many students with great talent,” explained Naufal, Chair of Ramzan Committee of the Indonesian Students Association, who has overseen various competitions and activities among Indonesian students during Ramazan.
The event also included ‘Naat’ competitions, as well as speeches in English and Arabic languages.
