JAKARTA: Muslims in Indonesia celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with much joy, as families and loved ones got together in the spirit of warmth, forgiveness, and togetherness.
President Joko Widodo and first lady Iriana, in a message posted on official social media, called for mutual forgiveness and strengthening ties of brotherhood.
“On this noble day, may we forgive each other and strengthen our bonds to rebuild brotherhood, becoming a harmonious and peaceful nation, united in building Indonesia,“ he said.
Starting the celebration with Eid prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, he later returned to the Merdeka Palace to meet with various segments of society at an open house event.
Guests, including local figures and foreign diplomats, shared in the joy and conveyed their well wishes to Jokowi as he will conclude his administration on October 20.
Meanwhile, the celebration at the Malaysian Embassy was lively as over 300 Malaysian residents, including students, officials, embassy staff, and Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN, gathered.
Ambassador Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin joined the Eid prayers led by the First Secretary (Religious Affairs), Mohd Shamsuri Ghazali.
Malaysian delicacies such as nasi minyak, rendang, lemang, satay, and various traditional desserts were served, providing a taste of home for those who have been away from Malaysia for some time.
“Indonesians with familial or marital ties to Malaysians also attended. We hope they can experience the Eid atmosphere like in Malaysia,“ said Syed Md Hasrin.
He believed that this celebration would strengthen the bond between the people and hoped that the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia would remain strong, peaceful, prosperous, and enduring in the future.
