Idul Fitri

Idul Fitri

As a Moslem expatriate, let me first felicitate with fellow
Moslems on the blessed occasion of what in Northern Nigeria's
Hausa language is called Karamar Sallah, Idul Fitri in Arabic and
Lebaran in Indonesian.

This year I asked myself a simple question: How do my fellow
Moslem expats celebrate this occasion in a foreign land? It is
difficult for me to answer in detail but, generally, I am sure
they attend Idul Fitri prayers and visit each other. Some may
even organize a lunch or dinner gathering for friends.

For me, the Idul Fitri holiday was not at all bad. On the
morning following Idul Fitri, I decided that, as a black African,
the best place for me to visit was Jalan Asia-Afrika in Senayan.
This honorable place makes me happy -- whenever the name is
mentioned I immediately have to stand up in salutation.

As soon as I arrived that day, I began to search for an
African restaurant where I could enjoy Tuwon Sallah which, in
Hausa language, means a special Idul Fitri dish. I nearly starved
because I could not find such a restaurant in all of Jakarta.

At last, I gave up and took repast in neighboring Plaza
Senayan. God was kind that day and gave me the opportunity to
meet a fellow African Moslem, new to Jakarta and in search of a
fellow African to share Idul Fitri fun.

The man took me to his house and, after the usual formalities,
put on a video showing Idul Fitri celebrations in Moslem parts of
West Africa.

The pleasure was such that I had to rush to a nearby Wartel to
phone home and find out how Idul Fitri had been. The answer was
that Idul Fitri this year had been one of the best ever, because
in 1997, the economies of a number of African nations had
performed very well.

BUHARI ABDU

Jakarta