VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Several Indonesian communities and student organizations in Perth, Western Australia held a Halal Bihalal event for Indonesian Citizens at E-Zone Social, University of Western Australia (UWA) on Saturday (13/4).

As quoted by Antara in a press release from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Perth which was received in Jakarta on Sunday (14/4), the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Perth, Listiana Operananta, in her speech, emphasized the importance of togetherness and community support. Listiana is grateful for the solidarity of the Indonesian community in Perth. According to Listiana, not all student organizations and communities can collaborate as cohesively as this community does.

Listiana Operananta felt proud to be able to attend the event and meet approximately 400 guests and praised the cooperation of community members and organizations in creating a festive atmosphere. At the Halal Bihalal event, various typical Indonesian dishes were served, such as Padang satay, pecel and meatballs.

Apart from that, as the representative of the Indonesian government in Western Australia, the Consulate General said that her party would be responsible for the safety and whereabouts of Indonesian citizens in the region so that they were open to input to strengthen relations between the government and its citizens.

Halal Bihalal is a gathering event which is usually held after the Eid al-Fitr celebration which is where Muslims in Indonesia meet their relatives and friends while enjoying the dishes that are served.

For Indonesian citizens who live in Perth, this Halal Bihalal event is an opportunity to cure their longing for celebrating Eid in their homeland. According to Listiana Operananta, the aim of holding Halal Bihalal at the Indonesian Consulate General in Perth is to provide wider opportunities for Indonesian citizens in Perth to meet and stay in touch.

The participating communities and organizations are Warneds, Madina Community, the Association of Indonesian Postgraduate Students and Scientists in Australia (AIPSSA), the West Australian branch of the Australian Indonesian Student Association (PPIA WA), and the LPDP scholarship recipient community in Perth.