Welcoming the holy month

As the most populous Muslim country in the world, many Indonesians welcome the Ramadhan holy month happily.

The Muslims living near the ancient Luar Batang mosque located in North Jakarta are no exception.

The mosque was built by Habib Husin bin Abubakar Alaydrus in 1739. When he passed away, his remain were buried inside the mosque.

Even though the mosque is well over 200 years old, many people still use it to pray.

Just like other Muslims worldwide, many of the people in Luar Batang diligently rise for sahur (predawn meal), wait patiently until buka puasa (breaking the fast meal) and participate in Tarawih mass prayers every single day of the fasting month, which started on Nov. 6.

From toddlers to senior citizens, they greet Ramadhan in their own ways but with the same goal: To properly observe their religious obligations.

Text and photos by R. Berto Wedhatama