By: Zaenal Abidin
Cirebon, March 4, 2024 – The hall of Immanuel Jemaat Saron Christian Church in Cirebon City witnessed a meaningful moment, when Mrs. Shinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid again held an iftar event in a series of annual activities that she has been running for 23 years.
In the event themed “Rank and Position Do Not necessarily Make You Happy, But Faith and Taqwa Will Lead You to Heaven”, Pastor Sakriso Ladiana from the Cirebon Association of Churches in Indonesia (PGIS) expressed his appreciation for the presence of Mrs. Shinta who has made this activity a tradition.
“We always support Ibu’s presence every year in this agenda. We are one brother in humanity even though we have different faiths,” said Pastor Sakriso.
23 Years of Building Togetherness in Ramadan
Mrs. Shinta Nuriyah said that she had carried out this activity since accompanying Gus Dur at the State Palace. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when this event was stopped, she still tried to greet the community with a different format.
“In 2023, I cried because this event was banned due to the pandemic. During COVID-19, we could only hold an event with 30 people: 15 religious representatives and 15 poor people, in 10 different places. At that time, we changed the concept from ‘Buka Bersama’ to ‘Ibu Shinta Menyapa’,” she said.
Interestingly, Ibu Shinta emphasized that what she was doing was actually not just breaking the fast together, but sahur together.
“Many people hold buka bersama, but I choose sahur together. Because sahur invites people to fast, not just break their fast. I want to knock on their hearts to open the door of heaven in the third third of the night,” she explains.
He also shared his experience of having sahur with the poor and marginalized communities.
“I have had suhoor with pedicab drivers in the middle of the square, with street children on the side of the road, even with scavengers in their workplace. This is not just about eating suhoor, but learning to understand their struggles,” he added.
Maintaining Unity in the Midst of Diversity
In her reflection, Ibu Shinta emphasized that togetherness in diversity is the key to maintaining national unity.
“You can fight for seats in the DPR, but not to divide the nation. We are brothers and sisters,” she said.
According to her, fasting not only trains oneself to endure hunger and thirst, but also teaches noble morals, mutual respect, and strengthens tolerance between religious communities.
The event was closed with the syiir munajat Abu Nawas which was chanted together, creating a solemn atmosphere that strengthens interfaith brotherhood.[]
