Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad Highlights Need for Social Bonds Amid Regional Dynamics
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Islamabad has highlighted the need for social bonds amid regional dynamics, especially in celebrating Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah (H).
“Social bonds between the KBRI Islamabad and the Indonesian community are very important. Especially amid the current regional dynamics,” said the Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan, Chandra W. Sukotjo, after attending Eid prayers and Halal Bihalal at the KBRI Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday (21/3), as stated in their comments on Sunday (22/3).
The social bonding event, held through Halal Bihalal, is also important, according to him, as part of the spirit of solidarity.
“We held Halal Bihalal with the spirit of solidarity. Many of our brothers and sisters are going through difficult times and situations,” the Ambassador added.
The KBRI Islamabad organised Eid prayers and Halal Bihalal through collaboration with the Ramadan Month Committee and the Indonesian Students and Youth Association (PBR PPMI) Pakistan.
After the Pakistani government announced the confirmation of Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, various preparations were immediately carried out, from decorations, procurement of typical Lebaran menus, to cleaning the Nusantara Cultural Hall to serve as the venue for Eid prayers.
To facilitate transportation for students from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) campus to the KBRI Islamabad, which is about 20 km away, the KBRI Islamabad provided three minibuses.
These minibuses were quite helpful because the IIUI campus no longer provided campus buses due to the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Moreover, not all vehicles can easily enter the Diplomatic Enclave where the KBRI Islamabad is located.
Meanwhile, KBRI vehicles have easier access to various points in the capital, which is heavily guarded amid the security situation and tensions in the region, both in South Asia and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Ibnu Aqil Mahmud, Deputy Syuriah I of the Special Branch Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCINU) Pakistan, in his sermon highlighted the need for love of the homeland as part of human nature.
During the celebrations, all Eid prayer congregants received coupons to exchange for a portion of lontong with chicken opor soup and scraped cucumber ice.
“Mr. Ambassador and Mrs. are like our parents. Even though we are far from family, Eid prayers and Halal Bihalal are enough to ease the longing for celebrating Lebaran back home,” said Neng Yofa, an IIUI student from Sukabumi who attended the Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Before returning to their respective places, the Indonesian community received snacks and several packets of Indomie that had been received from the factory in the Faisalabad area, Pakistan.
“For us, Ramadan is a month to compete to be the best. Many students have good talents,” said Naufal, Chairman of PBR PPMI, who had organised various competitions and activities among Indonesian students during Ramadan.
Nasyid competitions, as well as speeches and MC in English and Arabic, were some of the skills showcased in the competitions.