Fasting In Foreign Country, Indonesian Ambassador To Portugal, Rudy Alfonso, Tells The Story

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Portugal, Rudy Alfonso

JAKARTA - Fasting Ramadan abroad is certainly different from Indonesia. Starting from the time of fasting, the menu for breaking the fast and sahur to the air temperature, of course, it is different.

Indonesian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (LBBP) to Portugal, Rudy Alfonso told the difference between observing Ramadan in another country. Adjusting to conditions in other people's countries is certainly a must.

"The first experience of fasting in Lisbon, something different, among others, the time span from imsak to sunset is 1.5 hours longer than in the country," said the Indonesian Ambassador to Portugal to VOI, Wednesday, April 6.

The weather in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is certainly different from our country. Take, for example, the capital city of Jakarta, where the weather is very hot some days including heavy rain, Lisbon has air temperatures ranging from 9-15 degrees Celsius.

The adjustment of the time for sahur, imsak, and breaking the fast is carried out by Indonesian citizens abroad. But it's not just a matter of weather conditions, performing Ramadan worship with family is certainly the main thing that is most missed.

Indonesian Ambassador Rudy Alfonso said he was grateful, even though he was far from a big family, in Lisbon there were many fun things to do while fasting. The term 'not lonely' in the land of people.

"There is a different but pleasant atmosphere because I meet close colleagues and fellow ambassadors from friendly countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Algeria, and others who are both fasting," said Rudy Alfonso.

Of course, this moment is used to share stories, and connect friendships. Fasting Ramadan abroad is certainly different from Indonesia. Starting from the air temperature, fasting time to the menu for iftar and sahur, it's definitely different.

"When we meet at diplomatic receptions where we, who are fasting, gather in a corner and share stories about Ramadan in our respective countries," said Rudy Alfonso.

What about Indonesian citizens in Lisbon? The Indonesian Ambassador, Rudy Alfonso, said that the main mosque in the Portuguese capital had been opened for a limited time, of course implementing health protocols.

“There is a limited number of iftar and tarawih activities, the imam happens to be of Pakistani descent.

There are not many Indonesian citizens in Lisbon. They are mostly local families of staff at the Indonesian Embassy and some students and Indonesian citizens who are married to Portuguese.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Indonesia to Portugal, Rudy Alfonso

To break the fast, explained Rudy Alfonso, his party obeyed the authority's instructions about not being allowed to break the fast together.

Indonesian citizens in Lisbon, continued the Indonesian Ambassador, like to eat seafood. There is also specialty bread there.

“In Lisbon, there is also a salted fish called Bacalhau which is famous but very salty. There are many kinds of bread and the taste is indeed more savory. There is also a very famous special cake called pastel de nata," said Rudy in a conversation.

"But we still hope that if the pandemic subsides and the Portuguese government relaxes health protocols, we will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of Ramadan and Eid which has been absent for 2 years this year," said Rudy Alfonso.

What is certain is that the Indonesian Ambassador hopes that conditions in Europe as well as in the country will improve after being hit by the coronavirus.

"Hopefully in the country, it will also improve and this year's Eid will be different from the previous 2 years. We pray together," hoped Rudy Alfonso.

For information, President Jokowi appointed Rudy Alfonso to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Portugal. Rudy Alfonso hands over the Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at the Presidential Palace Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, Lisbon, Monday, January 17, 2022.