Indonesians in Finland Celebrate Eid, Strengthen Diaspora Bonds

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Hundreds of Indonesians living in Finland gathered in Helsinki to mark Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri, turning the celebration into a moment of unity and shared identity for the diaspora far from home.

The Eid prayer, organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Helsinki in collaboration with the Indonesian Muslim Community Association (IMMI), drew 256 participants despite the chilly spring temperature of about 5 degrees Celsius in the Finnish capital.

“The spirit of Eid al-Fitr, through social care, plays an important role in strengthening unity, especially among Indonesians and the diaspora,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Finland Ibnu Wahyutomo in a written statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, March 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The Eid celebration marked the culmination of a series of Ramadan activities jointly organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Helsinki and IMMI. These included two communal iftar events, Quranic learning programs, and a Ramadan Festival.

IMMI chairman Muhammad Wildan Zulfikar noted that the collaboration throughout the holy month helped strengthen bonds within the Indonesian community in Finland.

Participants traveled not only from Helsinki but also from other cities such as Turku, Tampere, and Oulu, located about 600 kilometers away, highlighting the strong enthusiasm among the diaspora.

To recreate the festive atmosphere of home, the embassy served traditional Eid dishes, offering a sense of familiarity and comfort to Indonesians celebrating abroad.

During the sermon, Musa Alaydrus, who delivered the Eid khutbah, emphasized that the state of spiritual purity achieved after Ramadan should serve as a foundation for future actions.

The material science researcher based in Helsinki also encouraged the community to carry forward the values of self-reflection and renewal in their daily lives beyond the holy month. ***