Foreign Minister Calls for Ramadan Spirit to Promote Peace at Iftar with Ambassadors
Jakarta — Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono has called for the momentum of shared fellowship during this Ramadan to cultivate a spirit of peace amidst an uncertain global situation and escalating conflicts in various countries.
At an iftar (breaking of fast) gathering with ambassadors of allied nations as well as national and international figures in Jakarta, the Foreign Minister stated that for Muslims, Ramadan is a time for reflection, compassion, and fostering fellowship through important occasions such as shared iftar meals.
“We gather here to celebrate the spirit of togetherness, to share our vision of an ideal and beautiful world as we aspire to it,” Sugiono said in his remarks at the iftar event titled “Pejambon Iftar” hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
The shared iftar meal, he noted, is a moment when daily activities pause briefly to share food, converse, and nurture a sense of togetherness.
The Foreign Minister stated that this spirit of togetherness must continually be nurtured amidst an increasingly dynamic international situation that is “difficult for all of us”.
He appreciated the presence of ambassadors from allied nations at the shared iftar, which demonstrated the continued vitality of solidarity, friendship, and mutual respect.
“We also hope that through the virtue of world leaders, the tensions occurring can subside and we can enjoy a better future together,” Sugiono added.
The iftar agenda was attended by Deputy Foreign Ministers Arrmanatha Nasir, Anis Matta, and Arif Havas Oegroseno, representatives from Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, as well as the Rector of the International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII), Professor Jamhari Makruf, who delivered a brief sermon before breaking the fast.
Among the ambassadors and representatives of international organisations in Jakarta who attended were the Russian Ambassador Sergei Tolchenov, the Iranian Ambassador Mohamad Boroujerdi, and the Head of the United Nations (UN) Representation in Indonesia Gita Sabharwal.