August 17 is an exciting day for Indonesians, not only for those who live in Indonesia, but also in the whole world. It is the day for them to marks Indonesia’s independence and celebrated with fun competitions and folks entertainment. In this regard Indonesian Embassy in Beijing organized flag raising ceremony and Indonesian society gathering every year in the embassy compound. Interestingly, the activities in Beijing were not only followed by Indonesia, but also by Chinese citizen who was born and had lived in various region in Indonesia in the 1960s or commonly called as huaqiao. At the time of returning to china most of huaqiao are teenagers In China, those huaqiao always keep longing and memories of life in Indonesia, including the ability to speak Indonesian. They continue to practice singing Indonesian songs like “Bengawan Solo” or “Hallo-hallo Bandung”, dancing Indonesian traditional dances and cooking Indonesian food in a variety of occasions. Not surprisingly, one of the most of activities that they are waiting each year is the celebration of 17 August which was organized by Indonesian embassy. Every time I talked with some of the huaqiao, they look very enthusiast to participate. They were very grateful because it was invited by the Indonesian embassy. Although the age of the huqiao is no longer young, but they looked enthusiast to participate in all activities. Since 8 am they had come and follow the flag raising ceremony. Many of them still look dashing even though their age is 75-95 years. After participate in the flag raising ceremony, then some huaqiao took the stage to sing and dance. Looking to the huaqiao and their family presence in the activities organized by Indonesian embassy, it is certainly very interesting because it shows a sense of love and longing for Indonesia. Even, they were still very concerned with the conditions in Indonesia and expect that the condition in Indonesia is always secure peace. In this regard, I am on the view that the huaqiao and their family presence not only to remember the past, but also to more introduce Indonesia to the Chinese community. The story about Indonesia told by the huaqiao will help efforts to strengthen the relationship between the people of Indonesia and China.

For Indonesian kung fu book fans, the name of Kho Ping Hoo or Sukawati Asmaraman is very familiar. Hoo is an Indonesian prolific and legendary writer of Chinese origin. Inspired by Chinese kung fu books, Hoo made a significant contribution to Indonesian daily literature. Hoo’s kung fu stories original, distinctive, imaginative and load the big ideas with China background which is presented with a very alluring. In his works, even he never visited China before, Hoo managed to tell the readers about the beauty of the scenic landscapes in the mountains and surrounding Thaysan with enough detail (now located in Shandong Province). Hoo also tells many fictional characters who live in the world of martial turbulent times between the kingdoms in China at that time, both groups of black characters (antagonist) and the white group (protagonist). The characters are displayed well and gave a lot of inspiration to the readers and fans. Against this backdrop, Hoo’s books could become an interesting instrument for Indonesia to more understanding China. On the contrary, the publication one of Hoo’s book in Chinese version entitled “Suling Emas” or “Golden Flute” could also bring opportunities to reach Chinese Communities especially to those who are still not familiar yet with Indonesia. Indeed, it is not always easy to use books as an instrument in enhancing people to people contact since it is often wildly unpredictable and risky proposition. For example, the books that have garnered the most attention in Indonesia, when it comes to China there are possibilities that the book will accept flat. But as mentioned by a Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, the efforts to strengthen people to people contact among Indonesian and Chinese will never have success if we never try it and just rely on formal approaches through various meetings in multilateral and bilateral forums as well as formal talks between the government officials. We should start to use informal approach by using among other Hoo’s book as one instrument.

My prayer for them From me after dusk Between the tower and mosque I gently said, God, I love them They do not know .. But you know, this prayer from me ..Niujie, 25 July 2014

On Tuesday (29/7/14) Muslims in China celebrated Eid al-Fitr 1435 Hijriah to greet the victory after a month of fasting. In the morning Muslims came to mosques to pray and ask for forgiveness of each other by conducting exchange visits. During this visit, guests can enjoy a special culinary which usually appears when Eid al-Fitr. The food served is generally sweet cakes, which are not sold every day, like Sanzi and Youxiang. Sanzi is a snack made of wheat-flour dough and pulled into thin noodles. These noodles are then deep-fried and arranged in a circular pattern and stacked to form a pyramid. It's a simple food, really, and very quick to make for the experienced cook. While Youxiang is a kind of bread made ​​from dough of flour mixed with salt and then fried using sesame oil. Other specialties are "Huicai" made of various types of vegetables and meat (beef or lamb). Stir-fry the meat with salt, scallions, and ginger. Once fragrant, add water and boil until approximately 20 minutes. Another menu is soup dumplings which the dumpling contains black sesame, peanuts or beans to taste. Meanwhile another culinary is meat-based foods either goat or cow. This menu is usually eaten with noodles or made ​​as satay. in Beijing, all the food can be found easily at the Muslim restaurants or Muslim supermarket stores, for example in the area of ​​ Niujie mosque. So happy Eid al-Fitr and enjoy the culinary.

Hi this is my first post in Chinadaily blog. In this auspicious occasion I would like to share my fasting and iftar (breaking fast together) experiences in Beijing. Like Muslims in other countries, Muslims in Beijing also did not miss fasting in Ramadan. Today, Saturday (July 26, 2014) they had fasted for 28 days. In addition to fasting, they also perform prayers, listen to sermons, reading the Koran and break the fast together. For me, this year is the third year of fasting in Beijing. In contrast to the fasting in Indonesia, fasting in Beijing become more special because it was done in the midst of a majority of the Chinese people who are not fasting. Sometime my Chinese colleagues invite me to have lunch together or offer drink during the meeting. This is a challenge I must face. In addition to the challenges mentioned above, I feel happy to do fasting in Beijing. Through fasting, I could train my patience and could have a chance to break the fast together with fellow Muslims in Beijing. During Ramadhan, at least there are two iftar events that I usually attended. First, I attended iftar with fellow Indonesian which is usually held at the Indonesian embassy. Second, I followed iftar with Chinese Muslim in Niujie mosque, the oldest mosque in Beijing. In the Indonesian Embassy, we can enjoy the typical Indonesian dishes, such as sweet compote, chicken satay and mix vegetables or gado-gado. While in the Niujie mosque we can try typical food from Xinjiang like dumplings, chicken seasoning mix beans, mushrooms and vegetable bean soup. In Niujie mosque, I saw how the Muslims of ethnic Hui and Uyghur worked together to prepare the Iftar. Men and women, young and old, boys and girls, together they prepared food for iftar like watermelon and beverages. They also prepare dinner in the back yard of the mosque for about 200 people. With the order, the congregation occupied the chair that had been prepared. Some women participated by helping the congregation to occupy the places that are still empty. Smiling, they offer meals to the pilgrims. I came a little late for dinner is also welcome to sit and eat with the other pilgrims. While dining, I was chatting with a congregation of Xinjiang Uygur and native tribes. Done with the dinner, the pilgrims leave the place one by one. I also follow and do not forget to say thank you to those who have been serving exceptional food. I am happy to feel the atmosphere of iftar with Muslim community in Beijing. The atmosphere is full of friendship and family.