The Story of Indonesian Eid in Norway, Can Be Halalbihalal by Still Following Government Regulations

Eid al-Fitr is one of the celebrations most awaited by Muslims after a month of fasting.

The story of the Lebaran celebration moment in Indonesia is synonymous with visiting friends visiting neighbors, extended families, or colleagues. Then how about the story of Indonesian Citizens (WNI) who are currently celebrating the Lebaran overseas?

Interesting story came from Eko Yudha Fitnawan, Indonesian citizen in Stavanger, Norway.

This Lebaran moment was truly appreciated because he and his family were able to continue to do Eid Al-Fitr to fellow Indonesian citizens, even though it was still in Covid-19.

This cannot be separated because the trend of the number of infected cases per day in Norway is decreasing. Therefore, the government began to give a little leeway.

"Alhamdulillah, so yesterday we could do the Eid ul-Fitr by visiting or visiting fellow Indonesian citizens by arranging a schedule of visits so as not to gather more than 20 people at a time," Eko said when contacted by Kompas.com, Monday (5/25) / 2020).

Can gather by still obeying the rules of the local government

Eko explained, the Norwegian government provides some concessions such as associations or official organizations may hold events that gather people up to a maximum of 50 people. With notes, everyone must be registered first.

In addition, the community was also asked to maintain caution and always maintain a minimum distance of one meter.

"So soccer clubs and other sports have started training. Churches, mosques, salons and restaurants have started to open as long as they maintain the health protocol, "he said.

Meanwhile, for individuals, the government has provided easing by allowing a maximum of 20 people to gather. With notes, continue to implement the Covid-19 health protocol.

He also shared several photos of Eid al-Fitr's halalbihalal moments at the home of one Indonesian citizen in Norway, Indra Fajri.

"Every family cluster must be disciplined in maintaining distance. Here are some photos of the halalbihalal event yesterday, "explained Eko.

This seemed to answer Eko's previous doubts that he could not do halalbihalal with fellow Indonesian citizens in Norway.

Eid is different from the previous year

Even so, he admitted that the celebration of Eid al-Fitr this time was very different, especially the thing he felt as a citizen.

Usually, he said, all Indonesian citizens would hire a sports arena in Sola City, Norway to accommodate more than 100 people including Indonesian students, at the Eid al-Fitr halalbihalal celebration.

While the Eid al-Fitr prayer celebrations are also different from previous years.

"I pray Ied at home, after that it's my family's friend," he said.

"Previous years the mosque had held Eid prayers in the open field. But often the weather is less favorable so it is more often in the sports arena, "he added.

Not to forget eating Indonesian cuisine

Despite living abroad, Indonesian citizens in Norway still do not forget Indonesian cuisine. Especially those that are usually eaten during the Lebaran moment.

Eko said, at halalbihalal, Indonesian citizens always prepare Indonesian specialties including meatball noodles, chicken rice cake, squash, fish soup, balado eggs, ati fried chili sauce, cendol, eser es, martabak, and others.

"It's very rare here that we serve Norwegian food for Eid. It is also not suitable, but usually children are provided with cakes or snacks that they usually get in Norway, "he said.

At Eid al-Fitr, Indonesian citizens in Indonesia will hunt for brownies, muffins and various sweets when visiting from house to house.

Source: kompas