Tribune News Network
Doha
The third Indonesian Ramadan Festival was successfully held at the Embassy of Indonesia in Doha, during the second week of Ramadan. The event was a spectacular platform to convey a sense of unity and blessings for the Indonesian community in Qatar.
The event was opened by Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar HE Ridwan Hassan. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Hassan said, “The gathering is an essential platform for maintaining harmonious relations among Indonesians and other foreign diaspora communities in Qatar as well as for introducing Indonesian cultural values to the larger community.”
This year, a variety of exciting activities for all age groups, from children to adults, were planned to liven up the third Ramadan Festival 2025.
The younger generation was provided a platform to share their interpretations of the Prophets’ (PBUH) example through the Kultum Competition for the Adult category and the Storytelling Competition for the Youth Category, which focused on the life stories of the 25 Prophets.
In addition, a calligraphy colouring competition for children was held to promote Islamic art instruction and appreciation, according to Abdul Basit Mukaffi, chairman of Tanfidziyah PCINU Qatar.
According to Ali Musthofa, Rais Syuriah of PCINU Qatar, the hidden message from this series of activities is the significance of instilling religious values to the younger generation so that they develop morally and spiritually upright personalities as they grow older.
The event, which was attended by more than 500 Indonesians living in Qatar, was lively and full of joy.
The bazaar symbolises the Indonesian habit of doing ngabuburit before breaking the fast during the month of Ramadan – several Indonesian restaurants in Qatar participated to enliven this annual festival.
The festival is a collaboration between the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) Doha, PCINU Qatar, and IKA UNPAD Qatar, supported by the Association of Indonesian Communities in Qatar (PERMIQA), as well as organizations and communities of the Indonesian diaspora in Qatar, including the Betawi-Qatar Family (LABEIQ).
Indonesia’s image saw a significant boost when it participated as a partner nation in the Qatar Years of Culture 2023 initiative. The Indonesian community is well-known for its strong participation in cultural promotion activities. Currently, over 100 expatriate communities reside in Qatar, with India, Bangladesh, and Egypt having the highest numbers.
Among Southeast Asians, the Filipino community is the largest. Approximately 25,000 Indonesians live in Qatar.
