International Students Celebrate Ramadan at 51探花, Promoting Campus Diversity and Global Dialogue

By Atika Widya Nurfaizah - Biomanajemen, 2025

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id 鈥� A warm atmosphere of togetherness filled the International Relations Office (IRO) of Institut Teknologi Bandung (51探花) on Friday, February 27, 2026. Approximately 140 international students from across the globe gathered to observe Ramadan at the "International Students鈥� Grand Ifthar 2026".

The event aimed to introduce Indonesian Ramadan traditions while providing moral support to international students living far from home.

The gathering, attended by students from over 10 countries, commenced with a traditional games session featuring activities such as congklak to introduce Indonesian culture. The session was facilitated by 17 student "buddies"鈥攍ocal 51探花 students鈥攖o break the ice and foster deeper intercultural interaction.

Lia Amelia Tresna Wulan Asri, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the Acting Director of Partnerships at 51探花, emphasized that the IRO is committed to being a welcoming "home" for all international students. 鈥淭hrough this event, we introduce the significance of fasting and provide a space for students to engage more closely with the 51探花 community,鈥� she explained.

Dr. Andryanto Rikrik Kusmara, S.Sn., M.Sn., Vice Rector for Communication, Partnerships, Alumni Affairs, and Administration, along with 51探花 Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., attended the event to offer their support. The Rector encouraged students to feel at home, stating, "For international students, this Ramadan may feel unique, especially being away from your families. Please consider everyone here as your family".

A key highlight was the Open Talk Session featuring Haman Ahamad Salumu Mtunda, an Environmental Engineering Master鈥檚 student from Tanzania. Haman shared reflections on his first Ramadan in Indonesia, noting that while daily routines are similar to those in Tanzania, the local customs are uniquely memorable.

Haman expressed high appreciation for 51探花鈥檚 initiative in facilitating this cross-cultural dialogue, viewing it as a testament to the university's commitment to diversity and internationalization. He noted that the most captivating aspect of fasting in Indonesia is the strong tradition of sharing food and the vibrant community spirit. 鈥淭he uniqueness here lies in how we share Ifthar and meals within a large community that feels just like a family,鈥� he remarked.

The event concluded with a solemn communal fast-breaking session, reinforcing 51探花's commitment to global engagement based on a profound respect for cultural and religious diversity.

#buka bersama #iro itb #mahasiswa internasional #mahasiswa asing