Indonesian Consul: Solidarity and Care are Important Foundations for Communities Abroad

JAKARTA - Solidarity and concern are important foundations for the community of fellow Indonesian citizens (WNI) abroad, said the Indonesian Consul in Songkhla Winardi H. Lucky in breaking the fast and Tarawih prayers with about 100 Indonesian citizens and foreign citizens (WNI) at the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Songkhla, Thailand, Saturday.

This activity was attended by Indonesian students, education personnel, ship crew, and private workers who reside in various cities in Southern Thailand.

Consul Lucky said Ramadan was a moment of reflection and strengthening solidarity among fellow countrymen abroad.

"Ramadan in Thailand has a different dynamic compared to Indonesia. However, in these differences, we learn to respect, adapt, and strengthen togetherness. The values of solidarity and concern are an important foundation for our community abroad," he explained, launching the statement of KRI Songkhla, Saturday (28/2).

This activity is part of the commitment of KRI Songkhla to continue to be present and establish closeness with the Indonesian people in the accreditation area.

The atmosphere of togetherness is felt even more with the presence of various Indonesian culinary specialties with a Minangkabau and Nusantara nuance, such as gule tunjang, Padang sate, Padang soto, ayam lado ijo, perkedel, to kolak cendol.

In addition to presenting the authentic taste of the country, the dishes also serve as a means of cultural diplomacy through the promotion of Indonesian cuisine to the guests present.

Fasting and Tarawih prayers together are planned to be held regularly every Saturday until the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

On the first day of Lebaran, KRI Songkhla will also hold an open house as a venue for halal bihalal and strengthening of diaspora relations.

It is known that Ramadan in Thailand has its own characteristics. The largest concentration of Muslim population is in the southern region, especially in the five southernmost provinces, namely Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani, Songkhla and Satun.

In the Hat Yai Nai area, one street turned into a halal food center that was crowded with people during Ramadan. One of the typical dishes that are synonymous with the Holy Month is tupak sutong, which is squid filled with rice cooked with coconut milk.

Unlike Indonesia, there are almost no vendors of pre-dawn meals, so people generally prepare their pre-dawn meals independently at home. This difference is a unique experience for Indonesian diaspora in adapting to the local social and cultural environment.

One of the Indonesian students who attended expressed his appreciation for the initiative.

According to him, this activity presents a more meaningful Ramadan atmosphere and strengthens the sense of togetherness in the midst of expatriate life.

Through a series of Ramadan activities to the upcoming Idulfitri open house, KRI Songkhla emphasized its commitment to continue to improve the services, protection, and strengthening of solidarity of Indonesian diaspora in Southern Thailand.