Indonesian nationals in southern Thailand urged to strengthen solidarity during Ramadan

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian community living in southern Thailand is being urged to strengthen togetherness and respect for diversity while observing the fasting month of Ramadan in the host country.

According to the Indonesian Consulate General in Songkhla, Winardi H. Lucky, Ramadan is a time for reflection as well as reinforcing solidarity among fellow Indonesians abroad, especially those residing in southern Thailand.

‘Ramadan in Thailand has dynamics different from Indonesia. Yet within those differences, we learn to respect one another, adapt, and strengthen togetherness,’ Winardi said, in a written statement from the Consulate General in Songkhla, confirmed in Jakarta on Thursday.

‘The values of solidarity and care become an important foundation for our community abroad,’ he added.

The Consulate General in Songkhla also notes that the largest concentration of Muslims in Thailand is in the southern region of the country, particularly in the five southernmost provinces bordering Malaysia — Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, Songkhla, and Satun.

Ramadan in southern Thailand has its own characteristics, given the strong influence of Malay Muslim culture and traditions in the southern provinces of Thailand.

In Hat Yai Nai, for example, there are still streets that have become hubs of halal street food that are popular among the public during Ramadan. One signature dish associated with the holy month there is ‘tupak sutong’, i.e., squid stuffed with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk.

However, unlike in Indonesia, food traders during sahur are almost non-existent, so people generally prepare sahur meals at home.

‘This difference is a distinctive experience for the Indonesian diaspora in adapting to the local social and cultural environment,’ said the Indonesian Consul in Songkhla.

To ease homesickness and foster togetherness, the KRI Songkhla continues to hold buka puasa and tarawih prayers together each week up to Eid al-Fitr.

The programme began last Saturday (28 February) and was attended by hundreds of Indonesian nationals and locals who could enjoy a range of Indonesian dishes such as Padang satay, gulai, and ayam lada hijau.

Through the Ramadhan activities, KRI Songkhla reaffirmed its commitment to continue enhancing solidarity among the Indonesian diaspora in southern Thailand.