ISLAMABAD – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad hosted a traditional Eid prayer and "Halal Bihalal" gathering on March 21, 2026, bringing together the Indonesian diaspora and students to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Organized in collaboration with the Ramadhan Committee of the Indonesian Students Association (PBR PPMI), the event transformed the embassy grounds into a vibrant hub of Indonesian culture and spiritual unity.

Indonesian Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo Joins Students and Diplomats for Eid Festivities

Rapid Preparations and Community Support

Following the official moon sighting announcement by Pakistan's Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the Embassy immediately mobilized to prepare the venue. The premises were adorned with traditional decorations, and the air was filled with the rhythmic sounds of the takbir.

To ensure seamless attendance for students from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), the Embassy deployed three dedicated minibuses. These shuttles provided essential transportation into the high-security Diplomatic Enclave, where the embassy is located.

A Taste of Home Indonesian Community Gathers for Eid Prayer and Festive Feast in Islamabad -1

Spiritual Leadership and Patriotic Messages

The Eid prayer featured prominent leaders from Indonesia’s two largest Islamic organizations:

Imam: M. Irham Amin, Chairman of the Special Branch of Muhammadiyah (PCIM) in Pakistan.
Preacher: Ibnu Aqil Mahmud, Deputy Chairman of the Special Branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCINU).

During his sermon, Mahmud, a postgraduate student at IIUI, emphasized that patriotism is a human

nature (fitrah), linking the desire for national peace to the essence of the faith.

Strengthening Public Diplomacy through Synergy

Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo, a former UN peacekeeping veteran, attended the festivities alongside his wife, Tamara Y. Sukotjo. The Ambassador stressed that the strong synergy between the diplomatic mission and the Indonesian community is a "critical" component of public diplomacy.

"The Eid prayer and Halal Bihalal at the Embassy are a remedy for homesickness," shared Neng Yofa, an IIUI student, describing the Ambassador and his wife as parental figures for those living abroad.

A Culinary and Cultural Celebration

The "Halal Bihalal" gathering allowed guests to reconnect over traditional Indonesian delicacies. Participants exchanged coupons for iconic Eid dishes, including:

Lontong: Compressed rice cakes.
Opor Ayam: Savory Indonesian chicken curry cooked in coconut milk.
Indomie: Snacks and noodles supplied by the local Indomie factory in Faisalabad.

The event concluded by highlighting student achievements, including winners of Nasyid, speech, and MC competitions held throughout Ramadan, showcasing the diverse talents of the Indonesian youth in Pakistan.