SDGs 4: Quality Education
The month of Ramadan is not only a time for spiritual introspection but also for strengthening community bonds. In Jogokariyan, a bustling community in Yogyakarta, a 2020 English Literature student named Putri has been actively involved in enlivening Ramadan activities that bring joy and spiritual fulfillment to herself and the surrounding community.
Putri, who lives just a few steps away from Masjid Jogokariyan, has been an integral part of various mosque activities since her childhood. Initially joining as a member of the children’s group, she gradually transitioned into a teenage committee member. Even during her university years, she took on responsibilities in organizing and participating in special Ramadan events.
One of Putri’s significant roles during Ramadan is her involvement in the organization of “Kampoeng Ramadhan Jogokariyan” (KRJ), a community initiative aimed at enhancing the Ramadan experience for local residents and the wider community. This year, Putri served as a committee member for the KRJ 2024 “Itikaf” event. Itikaf involves worshiping in the mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan. Alongside a friend, Putri managed the registration process, answered participant questions, collected participant data, and supervised the registration process on the event day. Additionally, they served the congregation during the last 10 days of Ramadan by being on standby at the location while also participating in worship.
Her three-year tenure as an Itikaf committee member has provided valuable experiences for Putri, especially in matters of faith and spirituality. Through this, she had the opportunity to interact with diverse participants, including elderly individuals. For Putri, this was particularly fascinating as she witnessed their high spirits in worship, regardless of their age. This served as a reminder for Putri that worship knows no age. In fact, during the holy month of Ramadan, they compete in performing good deeds.
Despite being relatively younger compared to other committee members, Putri and her friends have demonstrated remarkable dedication and organizational skills. Their efforts have received positive feedback from participants, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and coordination in executing community agendas. Furthermore, the involvement of her younger sibling and cousin served as great motivation for Putri.
In addition to her involvement in KRJ, Putri and her friends volunteer as “Plate Volunteers” every afternoon before iftar. Their task is to distribute snacks and drinks to the congregation before breaking their fast. This experience has also been very enjoyable for Putri. Because every afternoon, Masjid Jogokariyan provides more than 3500 portions of iftar for anyone who comes. Interestingly, Ramadan 2024 was the most festive Ramadan due to the numerous activities at the mosque. Moreover, these activities have gained a lot of attention from the wider community thanks to social media influencers who shared Ramadan vibes in Jogokariyan on TikTok and Instagram.
Putri’s dedication to community service during Ramadan reflects the spirit of peace, unity, and devotion that characterizes this holy month. Through her involvement in various events, she not only enriches the Ramadan experience for her community but also embodies high values of empathy and solidarity. Putri’s experiences, journey, and commitment to serving the community are expected to inspire her peers and other community members.
Photo 1: A documentation of Putri when she was becoming the “Plate Volunteers”
