Surya Paloh Speaks on the Meaning of Ramadan Before Puan, Anies and Other National Figures
Jakarta — NasDem (Nasional Demokrat) Party chairman Surya Paloh has said Ramadan must be understood in broader terms than simply the act of abstaining from food and drink.
The holy month, he said, should serve as a space for reflection to strengthen national commitment and dedication to public service. He made the remarks as the NasDem central executive board (DPP) hosted a joint iftar with orphans in Jakarta in a warm, familial atmosphere.
"Ramadan is a moment to purify our spirit and strengthen our dedication to giving meaning to the life of our nation and state," he said, as quoted on Friday, 20 February 2026.
The event was attended by DPP functionaries and NasDem faction members of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), serving as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of fellowship and solidarity during the holy month.
Paloh expressed gratitude for the success of the event and appreciation for the guests who accepted the party's invitation to break fast together.
"We are delighted and honoured by the presence of all of you who have kindly accepted the DPP NasDem Party's invitation to break fast together," he said.
He stressed that the joint iftar was not merely a ceremonial occasion but carried deep significance in maintaining relationships and strengthening togetherness.
"Breaking fast together gives special meaning so that the bonds of fellowship we have built remain intact, and are even reinforced through our togetherness," he said.
Paloh expressed hope that the values embodied in Ramadan could serve as moral energy for the journey ahead. The spirit of togetherness and social concern, he continued, must be continuously nurtured to strengthen the foundations of national life.
"We must maintain the spirit of togetherness and social concern so that the meaning of this holy month carries real significance for our collective struggle to build the nation we love," he said.
The participation of orphans in the event was described as a manifestation of NasDem's commitment to fostering empathy and social solidarity. The occasion concluded with communal prayers and informal mingling.
A number of prominent national figures attended the event, including DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, DPR Deputy Speakers Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Sari Yuliati, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Minister for Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, former Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, Anies Baswedan, PKS president Almuzammil Yusuf, PKB deputy chairman Jazilul Fawaid, and Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) deputy chairman KH Zulfa Mustopa.
The holy month, he said, should serve as a space for reflection to strengthen national commitment and dedication to public service. He made the remarks as the NasDem central executive board (DPP) hosted a joint iftar with orphans in Jakarta in a warm, familial atmosphere.
"Ramadan is a moment to purify our spirit and strengthen our dedication to giving meaning to the life of our nation and state," he said, as quoted on Friday, 20 February 2026.
The event was attended by DPP functionaries and NasDem faction members of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), serving as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of fellowship and solidarity during the holy month.
Paloh expressed gratitude for the success of the event and appreciation for the guests who accepted the party's invitation to break fast together.
"We are delighted and honoured by the presence of all of you who have kindly accepted the DPP NasDem Party's invitation to break fast together," he said.
He stressed that the joint iftar was not merely a ceremonial occasion but carried deep significance in maintaining relationships and strengthening togetherness.
"Breaking fast together gives special meaning so that the bonds of fellowship we have built remain intact, and are even reinforced through our togetherness," he said.
Paloh expressed hope that the values embodied in Ramadan could serve as moral energy for the journey ahead. The spirit of togetherness and social concern, he continued, must be continuously nurtured to strengthen the foundations of national life.
"We must maintain the spirit of togetherness and social concern so that the meaning of this holy month carries real significance for our collective struggle to build the nation we love," he said.
The participation of orphans in the event was described as a manifestation of NasDem's commitment to fostering empathy and social solidarity. The occasion concluded with communal prayers and informal mingling.
A number of prominent national figures attended the event, including DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, DPR Deputy Speakers Sufmi Dasco Ahmad and Sari Yuliati, Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Minister for Transmigration Viva Yoga Mauladi, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, former Vice-President Jusuf Kalla, Anies Baswedan, PKS president Almuzammil Yusuf, PKB deputy chairman Jazilul Fawaid, and Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) deputy chairman KH Zulfa Mustopa.