Ramadan in Indonesia

Jun 28, 20203 min read

Updated: Aug 15, 2022

Ramadan in Indonesia About the interviewee

I will let you know about me! I am a student from one of the universities in DIY a.k.a Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. That’s me :).

Cindy Nurmala

1. Tell us a little bit about how Muslims in Indonesia prepare for Ramadan? Is there anything they do specifically before the first day of Ramadan?

Indonesian Muslims prepare Ramadan with our traditions. The traditions of every area are different from others. Some areas will do an activity that is called “Padusan”, which is basically washing ourselves off at places or sources of water that are considered sacred. It will differ from area to area because every area has a different culture. So, Indonesian Muslims will prepare Ramadan according to their culture.

2. How would you describe the overall Ramadan spirit in Indonesia? Does it have a different feeling on the streets when you go out in Ramadan?

The Ramadan spirit in Indonesia is very strong. Everyone will do good for themselves or anyone else. Yes, it does definitely have a different feeling on the streets.

3. How does a typical iftar would look like?

As a student who attended the committee at the university mosque, the typical iftar that I had was ‘syahdu’. Everyone looks so happy and smiles so beautifully. They would fill the courtyard of the mosque and eat with gusto. Of course, it is different when you have iftar with family at home. If you at home, iftar is one of the best family moments.

4. How does a typical suhur (suhoor) would look like?

Suhoor in Indonesia is so nice because usually, someone will wake the people up using mosque or surau loudspeakers. And they will announce if the time for suhoor is ending. Or sometimes, the children will walk around their homes to wake everyone up. It is so cute. And I miss that moment.

5. Is there any food or drink that is specifically consumed in Ramadan? Yes, please tell us about the deserts.

Yes, of course. Indonesian people will consume what is called “kolak”. Kolak is a dessert made of cassava and banana which are cut into small chunks of coconut sugar. The cassava and banana can be replaced according to taste. Usually, kolak is only present during Ramadan and only on a certain day.

6. How do people celebrate Eid al-Fitr?

Indonesians usually celebrate Eid al-Fitr with “mudik” or back home and join with families because many Indonesians work or study outside their region. For us, Eid al-Fitr is a special moment. Eid al-Fitr and families together are the best combination.

7. What makes Indonesia special in Ramadan? Tell us about any activities, festivals, bazaars, etc..

Something that makes Indonesia special in Ramadan is the atmosphere. As a country with a majority Muslim, the atmosphere of Ramadan in Indonesia will be different. Many things will only be encountered when Ramadan, like “ngabuburit”, hunting food for iftar in street food, Ramadan festival (usually some region in Indonesia have it), etc.

8. What should travelers expect to experience if they visit Indonesia in Ramadan?

They will have an amazing experience. They will see how religion and culture fuse into one. And it’s different from one region and another.

9. If I was visiting Indonesia in Ramadan, where would be the best place to have iftar?

If you will visit Indonesia in Ramadan, I suggest you to iftar in Masjid Kampus UGM (Universitas Gadjah Mada Mosque) or Masjid Jogokariyan (Jogokariyan Mosque) Yogyakarta :).

10. Anything else you want to share about Ramadan in Indonesia?

Anything else about Ramadan in Indonesia is every region in Indonesia have their traditions. That’s not the same one and another. When Ramadan is coming, everyone is just very happy. And when Ramadan is ending, everyone will very happy too. Indonesia has many customs. You will know when you feel it yourself.

Big Love,