Month-Long Communal Iftar Program Strengthens Saudi-Indonesian Ties

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Jakarta has launched a month-long program of communal iftar gatherings and date gifts from King Salman for Muslims across Indonesia, underscoring the Kingdom’s outreach during Ramadan.

At the opening event held Friday, February 20, 2026, at Al-Azhar Grand Mosque in Jakarta, Head of the embassy's Religious Attache, Sheikh Ahmed bin Essa Al-Hazmi, offered prayers for Indonesian Muslims.

“May our fasting be accepted by Allah, may we receive His forgiveness, and may all our activities, including today’s iftar, be blessed by Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala,” he said in his sermon, as quoted by Antara.

Sheikh Ahmed reminded worshippers that fasting is not only about abstaining from food and drink, but also about guarding speech, actions, and the heart from sin. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join Indonesian Muslims in fellowship during Ramadan.

Ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amudi explained that the program was initiated under the direct guidance of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in coordination with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance.

Beyond Jakarta, the initiative will extend to cities including Surabaya, Padang, Bogor, Kendari, and Makassar, as well as campuses such as University of Indonesia (UI) and State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah.

According to the ambassador, the program reflects the Kingdom’s intention to share gifts with Muslims worldwide, including in Indonesia.

Representatives of Al-Azhar welcomed the gesture, with Al Azhar Grand Mosque's Zahrudin Sulthoni noting that the gathering fostered unity and warmth among worshippers. “May this event bring hearts together and strengthen the spirit of community in this mosque as our shared home,” he said. ***