Kuwait - Islam is the most widely practiced religion in Indonesia with approximately 88 percent of its more than 200 million people being Muslims. However, the traditions and customs they practice to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan (fasting month) vary from one place to another. Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait, Faisal Ismail, mentioned that differences existed mainly due to the distance and the water body that separates the Indonesian islands.
Indonesian Muslims can be classified into two categories - the moderate and the devout. Those who strictly follow the Sharia rules are not very attached to the prevailing customs and traditions. So, they follow the same rules and guidance as per the Holy Quran.
Since the country is divided by the sea, celebrations are observed in several ways. For example in Yogyakata-where the Indonesian Ambassador is a native of, the customs followed differs greatly from the rest of the Indonesian islands.
A day before the onset of Ramadan, Yogyakartans throng a river for a quick dip, which according to local belief washes away their sins. "It was a tradition followed at our place but not practiced in Jakarta or other place in Indonesia. This ritual was originally borrowed from the Japanese," Faisal said.
A month prior to Ramadan, many places across Indonesia organize gigantic bazaars/night markets or (`Sakatan` in Indonesian language) to welcome the holy month. Sakatan serves as the place where everyone shops at or gets everything they need during the whole month of Ramadan. "Bazaars or night markets are organized on both small and large scale. They are in plenty and it is a good opportunity for everyone to showcase their products. It is important for Indonesia economically, because it helps people sell their products. So it is advantageous for both businessmen and consumers," he said.
Unlike in Kuwait, where many pay tributes at cemeteries on the first day of Eid, Indonesians do so, but held a day before Ramadan. "We generally visit dead relatives at least a day or two before Ramadan. We pay obeisance to our dead relatives in the cemetery by offering prayers, flowers and cleaning their graves," he said.
Indonesians enjoy native food during Ramadan. "Instead breaking their fast with milk and dates, Indonesian prepare coconut milk with palm sugar, jackfruit, cassava, tapioca and ice cream to break fasts. After prayer, we gather at the family dining table to share the usual meal of the day. We avoid lavish food, and eat moderately," he said.
However Faisal said that Indonesians celebrate a national feast for seven days, after the end of Ramadan, during Eid Al-Fitr. Indonesians rejoice with colorful drum parades, street dances and holding food festivals. "Our biggest celebration is the Eid Al-Fitr. During these days, city dwellers return to their villages and families to celebrate," Faisal said.
During Ramadan in Kuwait, the Indonesian embassy hosts an Iftar Party for members of their community. A community visit is also hosted twice a week to fortify unity and camaraderie among Indonesians in Kuwait. Indonesian Muslims are mostly found concentrated in the islands of Java, Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, coastal areas of Kalimantan, and North Maluku. Minority Muslim populations are reside in parts of Papua, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, parts of North Sumatra, most inland areas of Kalimantan and North Sulawesi. By Ben Garcia
Source: http://www.kuwaittimes.net (September 02, 2008)
