Fasting In Melbourne, Iqbaal Ramadhan Misses The Fun Of Breaking Fast Together

Iqbaal Ramadhan (Foto: IG @iqbaal.e)

JAKARTA - This year's actor and musician Iqbaal Ramadhan has to fast in Melbourne, Australia, because he is studying Media Communication at Monash University. He admitted that he really missed the atmosphere of breaking the fast together or breaking the fast with his family and friends.

"It seems to be something that is taken for granted, but when you live alone, you feel lonely too," said Iqbaal, quoted from ANTARA, Friday, April 8.

In addition, Iqbaal also admitted that he really misses the typical Indonesian takjil, namely compote and fried foods, especially tofu jeletot. "If you miss the food, it's compote, fried food. In Indonesia, you can eat it anytime. So here, you know the contents, there's no such thing as tofu," said Iqbaal.

Iqbaal then told about his challenges during fasting in the Kangaroo country. The reason, said Iqbaal, he did not feel the atmosphere of Ramadan because unlike in Indonesia, Muslims in Australia are a minority.

To treat his loneliness while fasting abroad, Iqbaal said he always kept himself busy, for example with a lot of college assignments.

"By busying yourself with lectures, lots of assignments, work to be done. That can be quite a distraction. If not, you'll have to keep checking the hours," he added.

Even though he is far from his family and closest friends who live in Indonesia, Iqbaal said this should not be an obstacle for him to continue to share happiness during Ramadan and the upcoming Eid, one of which is by sending gifts.

"Since knowing that there is little chance of returning to Indonesia for Eid, (sharing gifts) can be a way to continue to share happiness with friends and family in Indonesia," said Iqbaal Ramadhan.

"I really believe that distance and time do not hinder my desire to share happiness," he concluded.