BOGOR - The Bogor City Government held a joint fasting activity at the temple as a symbol of tolerance and diversity. The activity took place at the Phan Ko Bio Temple, Pulo Geulis, Babakan Pasar Village, Central Bogor District, Monday, February 23, and was attended directly by the Mayor of Bogor Dedie A. Rachim together with local residents.
Dedie Rachim said, the joint fasting at the temple which was established since the 1700s was a tangible manifestation of the life of people who were harmonious in the midst of differences. According to him, the momentum of the holy month of Ramadan which coincides with the atmosphere of Chinese New Year strengthens the message of togetherness in Bogor City.
"This is what ngabuburit is called. This is also part of us, where all citizens are happy to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and wait for the time of breaking the fast," said Dedie Rachim on the sidelines of the activity.
On this occasion, Dedie Rachim together with the Bogor City Government and the Inclusive Village Foundation also visited the homes of elderly residents and visited sick residents. In addition, he reviewed a number of uninhabitable houses that are planned to receive alternative assistance for repairs. Children waiting for the time to break the fast also received milk distribution.
Dedie Rachim assessed that this activity reflects the face of Bogor City which upholds tolerance. "This February we are still in the atmosphere of Chinese New Year, at the same time entering the holy month of Ramadan. We use this momentum as an event for mutual understanding to strengthen synergy and collaboration, as well as increase tolerance. In fact, residents here have no problems related to differences in background," he said.
He added, opening a fast together at the temple shows the openness of cross-cultural worship spaces. "This is Bogor in the holy month of Ramadan, which is full of blessings and forgiveness. We can break the fast together at the temple, provide food, and even have a prayer room to perform prayers," said Dedie Rachim.
After breaking the fast together, the mayor continued the activity by visiting the densely populated residential area and performing Isya and Tarawih prayers around Kampung Padabeunghar.
Director of the Village Inclusion Foundation, Lazira, said the activity was a strong picture of tolerance between communities in Bogor City. "This is a strong manifestation of tolerance. When there are cross-cultural activities such as breaking the fast together, it shows that Bogor City is beautiful with a high level of tolerance," he said.
In this activity, food and assistance were also distributed for orphans, the elderly, and the poor. Lazira hopes that similar activities can continue and become an example for other communities. "Hopefully it can be duplicated and become a role model as a miniature of the diversity that exists in Bogor City," he said.
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