Sunset, Takjil, and Shared Spaces
The Ramadan narrative in the modern era must be understood as a balance between religious devotion, socio-economic dynamics, and public services.
Mataram (ANTARA) - As the month of Ramadan has just begun, cities across Indonesia are gradually settling into a new daily rhythm. The cooling afternoon air accompanied by preparations for breaking the fast marks the start of a moment that is at once spiritual and social.
Communities prepare to fill the waiting hours before iftar with various light activities, from preparing takjil (pre-iftar snacks), planning communal iftar gatherings, to enjoying ngabuburit (the tradition of passing time before breaking the fast) — an activity that embraces all generations.
In West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), particularly in Mataram, this atmosphere is beginning to emerge, even though the traditions of communal iftar and hunting for takjil will only properly commence this afternoon.
This simple social ritual reflects not only religiosity but also the way communities organise togetherness, support the micro-economy, and adapt public spaces to align with local cultural values. Ramadan becomes a time of spiritual reflection as well as a moment where culture, customs, and public policy converge.
When the tradition of communal iftar at mosques, parks, and culinary bazaars gets underway, a distinctive social energy emerges — from takjil vendors preparing their wares, teenagers socialising during ngabuburit, to families preparing iftar dishes within their respective communities.
Amid this festivity, challenges of urban space management arise, ranging from maintaining order and comfort to preserving the solemnity of worship. These everyday phenomena serve as a mirror of society's transitioning values and the role of government in delivering public services that are responsive to local culture.
Communal Takjil
Every afternoon in Mataram, takjil is more than merely food to break the fast. It is a social magnet. Light snacks such as kolak pisang (banana in coconut milk), bubur sumsum (rice flour porridge), or es buah (fruit ice) sold at various market points and MSMEs do not merely fill hungry stomachs but also spark public interaction in the afternoon hours.
The tradition of hunting for takjil, as occurs across various regions in Indonesia, reveals the social character of ngabuburit as a way for communities to fill the waiting time before iftar with social and economic productivity.
Mataram (ANTARA) - As the month of Ramadan has just begun, cities across Indonesia are gradually settling into a new daily rhythm. The cooling afternoon air accompanied by preparations for breaking the fast marks the start of a moment that is at once spiritual and social.
Communities prepare to fill the waiting hours before iftar with various light activities, from preparing takjil (pre-iftar snacks), planning communal iftar gatherings, to enjoying ngabuburit (the tradition of passing time before breaking the fast) — an activity that embraces all generations.
In West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), particularly in Mataram, this atmosphere is beginning to emerge, even though the traditions of communal iftar and hunting for takjil will only properly commence this afternoon.
This simple social ritual reflects not only religiosity but also the way communities organise togetherness, support the micro-economy, and adapt public spaces to align with local cultural values. Ramadan becomes a time of spiritual reflection as well as a moment where culture, customs, and public policy converge.
When the tradition of communal iftar at mosques, parks, and culinary bazaars gets underway, a distinctive social energy emerges — from takjil vendors preparing their wares, teenagers socialising during ngabuburit, to families preparing iftar dishes within their respective communities.
Amid this festivity, challenges of urban space management arise, ranging from maintaining order and comfort to preserving the solemnity of worship. These everyday phenomena serve as a mirror of society's transitioning values and the role of government in delivering public services that are responsive to local culture.
Communal Takjil
Every afternoon in Mataram, takjil is more than merely food to break the fast. It is a social magnet. Light snacks such as kolak pisang (banana in coconut milk), bubur sumsum (rice flour porridge), or es buah (fruit ice) sold at various market points and MSMEs do not merely fill hungry stomachs but also spark public interaction in the afternoon hours.
The tradition of hunting for takjil, as occurs across various regions in Indonesia, reveals the social character of ngabuburit as a way for communities to fill the waiting time before iftar with social and economic productivity.