United Arab Emirates Distributes IDR 1.59 Billion for Iftar Packages at Istiqlal Mosque

Jakarta — The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent Organisation, together with the UAE Embassy in Jakarta, has distributed humanitarian assistance valued at IDR 1.59 billion to the Istiqlal Mosque Management Board (BPMI) to provide 29,900 iftar packages.

The iftar packages were distributed from Friday, 6 March to Tuesday, 10 March, with a symbolic handover ceremony held at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque on Saturday, 7 March.

According to a statement received in Jakarta on Monday, Matar Ali Al Mansouri, Head of the ASEAN Section at the UAE Embassy, representing UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdulla Salem Aldhaheri, stated that the assistance represents part of the UAE Government’s humanitarian commitment and its concern for Indonesian society.

“This reflects the noble values of Islamic brotherhood and social solidarity strengthened during the holy month of Ramadan. It embodies the spirit of cooperation in goodness and piety, as well as care for one another,” said Matar Ali.

“The humanitarian heritage of the United Arab Emirates blends with the spirit of mutual aid of the Indonesian people, thereby creating a mutually strengthening collaboration in various social activities,” he added.

Globally, he continued, the UAE is recognised as one of the largest donor countries in foreign aid relative to its national income.

Since its establishment in 1971 through mid-2024, the total foreign aid channelled by the UAE is recorded at approximately 360 billion dirhams, equivalent to 98 billion US dollars.

“We feel honoured to continue standing alongside the friendly people of Indonesia and will always support various humanitarian efforts, as we have done during various health crises and natural disasters in recent years,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bukhori Sail Attahiri, Head of Ramadan Charitable Activities at Istiqlal Mosque and Head of Worship Administration at BPMI, expressed gratitude to the UAE Government, through the UAE Embassy in Jakarta, for its support and assistance to the congregation at Istiqlal Mosque.

“May the United Arab Emirates continue to advance, grow stronger, and prosper; likewise Indonesia. May our fasting worship be accepted by Allah,” said Bukhori.