Singapore Embassy hosts iftar for orphans at Istiqlal Mosque

Jakarta — The Singapore Embassy in Jakarta held an iftar gathering for 70 orphans at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Sunday, as a manifestation of respect for diversity during Ramadan. In a press statement, the Singapore Embassy said the event marks its third year of holding the gathering. This year’s theme is ‘Harmony of Ramadan: Sharing Compassion’, reflecting the close friendship between Singapore and Indonesia and the spirit of harmony, care, and sharing during Ramadan. The Embassy said the Istiqlal Mosque was chosen because it has long symbolised religious tolerance and moderation in Indonesia. The event was attended by Singapore’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Kwok Fook Seng, and Gugun Gumilar, Special Staff representing Indonesian Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar. In his remarks, Ambassador Kwok Fook Seng said that Singapore and Indonesia share far more in common than differences. The diplomat noted that while the two countries are separated by a sea boundary, they are united by a shared core value: respect for diversity. ‘In Singapore, diversity is celebrated as a national strength; likewise in Indonesia, under the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which shows the world that thousands of islands and hundreds of cultures can coexist peacefully,’ he said. The Singapore Embassy also distributed Ramadan relief packages before all participants broke their fast together. Earlier on March 4, together with Voice of Istiqlal (VOI) and The Institute of Democracy and Education (IDE), the embassy organised a cross-faith dialogue and an iftar for 80 youths from diverse backgrounds. The activity aimed to promote understanding, tolerance, and harmony among youth.