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Indonesia Leads Successful Push to Celebrate Muslim Holidays on International Stage

Indonesia Leads Successful Push to Celebrate Muslim Holidays on International Stage
Eid al fitr } Photo by Chattrapal (Shitij) Singh: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-crowd-of-people-gathering-near-jama-masjid-delhi-2989625/

In a move promoting inclusivity and intercultural understanding, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as religious holidays. This decision reflects UNESCO's core mission of fostering mutual respect and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of its member nations.

The proposal, spearheaded by Indonesia and backed by over 30 countries, acknowledges the profound cultural and religious significance of these two major Islamic holidays. Eid al-Fitr marks the joyous end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, while Eid al-Adha commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. Recognizing these holidays strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes tolerance among diverse cultures.

Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Interfaith Ties

UNESCO's decision to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is a significant step towards a more inclusive global community. It demonstrates the organization's commitment to embracing cultural diversity and fostering understanding between different religious traditions. This initiative sends a powerful message of respect and appreciation for Muslim cultures around the world.

Indonesia's Instrumental Role

Indonesia, a prominent member of the UNESCO Executive Board, played a key role in proposing and securing this recognition. The Indonesian Ambassador to Paris, Mohamad Oemar, presented the proposal at the 219th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, where it was met with unanimous approval. This initiative highlights Indonesia's active participation in promoting cultural understanding and fostering international cooperation on the global stage.

Concrete Actions for Inclusivity

As part of this recognition, UNESCO will ensure that no official meetings are held at its Paris headquarters on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This concrete step demonstrates the organization's commitment to respecting these important religious observances and allowing its staff to celebrate with their families and communities.

Looking Deeper: Understanding Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

UNESCO's recognition of these holidays sparks an interest in learning more about their rich traditions and cultural significance. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion marked by feasting, exchanging gifts, and attending special prayers. Eid al-Adha involves animal sacrifice, sharing meat with the less fortunate, and commemorating the spirit of sacrifice and devotion. Exploring these traditions fosters a deeper appreciation for Islamic cultures and strengthens the bonds of a global community.

Akhyari Hananto

I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how to More understand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia. I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine. I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan" I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacy Less
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