Ramadan is a special time in Indonesia, a majority Muslim country. Our Sisters in the Baciro community, Yogyakarta, also had special activities, including sharing food on Eid Al-Fitr with their Muslim neighbours.
Srs Sisca and Clare fcJ joined the Yogyakarta Religious Forum in preparing one thousand nutritious food packets for the evening meal to break the fast in Yogyakarta on March 22. This was an act of solidarity with their Muslim brothers and sisters in Indonesia who are fasting during Ramadan. Preparing food for such a large number of people can be challenging, but the group made up of religious sisters, brothers and priests from various congregations succeeded in and enjoyed the amazing experience.
The one thousand nasi bungkus included a packet of rice, a nutritious curry, and some fruit. All the preparations were done in the morning, where all chopped onions, chillies, vegetables, and other ingredients. They manually cooked large quantities of rice and wrapped it with curry and vegetables. The food was distributed in various locations where people could get it freely. There was an atmosphere of collaboration, sacrifice, and joy for the common good in this process, for which all give thanks to God.
A few days later, on 31 March and 1 April, Muslims in Indonesia celebrated Eid Al-Fitr. It has become an annual tradition of the FCJ Baciro community in Yogyakarta to give Eid parcels/hampers to some neighbours who are economically disadvantaged. This year they prepared thirteen parcels of rice, oil, sugar, tea, cookies and syrup for poor families. They also give Eid parcels to people who support the sisters in various ways to maintain good relationships with them.
For most people in Indonesia, especially in Java and not only for those who are Muslims, Eid Al-Fitr is an opportunity to gather with the extended family. This long holiday is used to return to their hometowns. Eid Al-Fitr is also identical with ‘Silaturahmi’ (moving from one house to another greeting neighbours). Usually, ‘Silaturahmi’ or ‘Halal bi halal’ activities are carried out on the first and second days of Eid Al-Fitr. This is a moment to visit family, friends, or neighbours to greet and forgive each other, and to celebrate the holiday. Families prepare a lot of food for the guests who come to their homes.
