Events News

Message from President to all AIA-ACT Members and friends

 

AIA-ACT wishes all our followers of Islam a peaceful and  meaningful month for Ramadan.  

Selamat menunaikan ibadah puasa!

 

We also wish all our Asian members lots of joy and happiness for the Chinese lunar new year and Tet.

Selamat Tahun Baru Imlek!

 

At a time when tensions are high in other parts of Australia, following the Bondi Massacre by extremists, we can feel fortunate that we live in Canberra where most people are more focused upon the need for understanding and tolerant acceptance of the right for everyone to peacefully follow their own beliefs and for us all to respect and join with them in celebrating their religious events.

 

RAMADAN:  Ramadan is profoundly important to Indonesians as the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, blending strict spiritual fasting with intense communal bonding, charity, and cultural tradition. It is a month-long period focusing on deep faith, self-control, and reconnecting with family through suhoor (dawn meal) and iftar (breaking fast) gatherings.

• Spiritual and Personal Growth: It is a time for heightened devotion, reciting the Quran, and strengthening one's connection with Allah. It serves as a, "spiritual exercise" to foster empathy for the less fortunate.

• Deep Social Bonds (Silaturahmi): Ramadan is not seen as an individual practice, but a communal one. Shared iftar meals with friends, colleagues, and family are central to the culture.

• Cultural Traditions and Festivity: Unique local traditions, such as Padusan (cleansing) or Ngabuburit (waiting for iftar), make the month a vibrant cultural experience.

• Philanthropy and Generosity: Known as the "month of giving," Indonesians show high levels of charity, strengthening social capital through zakat and, "gotong royong" (community cooperation).

• Economic and Consumer Impact: Ramadan is a peak economic period, with high consumer demand for special foods, clothing, and travel, as people prepare for the Mudik (homecoming) to celebrate the final Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) holiday. 

For many, it is a yearly, "reset" button for their spiritual and social lives.

 

IMLEK:  Imlek, or Chinese New Year, holds significant importance in Indonesia, serving as a symbol of national unity, cultural diversity, and personal renewal. Since its designation as a national holiday in 2003, it has transitioned from a restricted, private affair to a public celebration celebrated across the archipelago.

The significance of Imlek to Indonesians lies in several key areas:

• A Symbol of National Unity (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika): Imlek is a testament to Indonesia’s motto of "Unity in Diversity." The celebrations are not limited to the Chinese-Indonesian community; non-Chinese Indonesians often join in the festivities, such as watching barongsai (lion dance) performances, fostering understanding and intercultural harmony.

• Cultural Restoration and Identity: For many Chinese-Indonesians, the open celebration of Imlek is a vital acknowledgment of their identity after decades of suppression during the Suharto era. It is seen as a restoration of cultural rights and freedom of expression.

• Family Reunion and Tradition: Like in other parts of the world, Imlek in Indonesia is a time for family reunions. It involves specific traditions aimed at welcoming good fortune, such as thorough house cleaning, decorating with red items, and visiting temples.

• A Blend of Cultures (Acculturation): Imlek in Indonesia is uniquely blended with local culture. Examples include special dishes like Lontong Cap Go Meh (Javanese-Chinese rice cakes) and the use of regional music (like gambang kromong in Jakarta) during celebrations.

• Economic Impact: The festive season brings significant economic activity, with high demand for red decorations, angpao (red envelopes), and traditional attire. It also boosts local tourism, particularly during the Cap Go Meh (15th day of the New Year) celebrations in cities like Singkawang, Pontianak, and Jakarta.

• Renewal and Hope: Beyond the festivities, Imlek serves as a moment for people to reflect, offer gratitude, and hope for a better, more prosperous future. 

In short, Imlek is now a celebrated national moment that honours both the heritage of Chinese-Indonesians and the multicultural identity of Indonesia as a whole.

 

Interestingly, Ramadan and Imlek are at the same time this year.  Ramadan starts on 19 February 2026 in Australia and Imlek started on 17 February 2026.  They both provide us with honourable goals and great community spirit that we can all join in sharing.

 

We truly wish all our members a wonderful time for Ramadan and Imlek.

 

Les Boag

President AIA-ACT