Indonesian Ambassador's open house in celebration of the Idulfitri


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H.E. Amb. Agus Widjojo of the Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines

After fasting for one month, it's time to indulge and get together with friends and family, and finally break the fast on the auspicious day of Eid al-Fitr, a celebration known as Idulfitri in Indonesia and generally as Eid al-Fitr in the rest of the world.

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Friends from the diplomatic corps who joined the celebration were Charge D'Affaires San Yu Kyaw of the Embassy of Myanmar, Ambassador Lai Thai Binh of the Embassy of Viet Nam, Mme. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay of the Embassy of Lao PDR, Ambassador Agus Widjojo, Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey and spouse Mme. Indri P. Akyol, Ambassador Phan Peuv of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, and Minister/ Deputy Chief of Mission Dodo Sudradjat of the Indonesian Embassy.

To welcome this special moment, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia H.E. Agus Widjojo hosted a breakfasting at the Indonesian Embassy in Makati on April 11, 2024. These traditions of welcoming Ramadan have been passed down from generation to generation to preserve culture and heritage.
 

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Ambassador Megawati Manan of the Embassy of the Brunei Darussalam, Ambassador Lai Thai Binh of the Embassy of Vietnam, and Ambassador Phan Peuv of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia

"What we do here in Indonesian tradition is a trip back to their families in the rural areas to their respective hometown to celebrate with one's parents and extended families. It's the time to cleanse their wrongdoings and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends," said Ambassador Widjojo.

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Ambassador Phan Peuv, Mme. Indri P. Akyol, and Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol

The Embassy treated guests to Eid al-Fitr's finest and most festive flavors, which come only once a year, indulging embassy officials, friends, and other guests. 
 

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A variety of tea, coffee, and sweets were laid out for guests.

With the temptation ranging from sweet to savory and everything in between, the buffet tables were filled with ketupat served alongside main dishes, including Gulai Labu Siam Dan Tahu, a spicy coconut stew with chayote and tofu; Opor Ayam, chicken cooked in rich, creamy coconut milk; Semur Daging, beef simmered in sweet soy sauce; Telur Balado, hard-boiled eggs with a crispy outer layer; and Lontong, compressed rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. 

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Kue Kastengel or cheese cookies
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Kue Nastar is a delicious and traditional Indonesian pineapple tart

To complete the ensemble, there were sweet pastries that are only available during the festive season.