Languages

Bulan Puasa

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world and during Ramadan which Indonesians refer to as bulan puasa (fasting month), Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a form of worship and self-discipline. Before sunrise, they eat a meal called sahur and drink plenty of water. In Indonesia, a unique tradition called ngabuburit has emerged, where people do fun or relaxing activities, often with friends, to help pass the last few hours before breaking the fast. When the time comes to break the fast, Indonesians gather with family and friends for an evening meal called buka puasa. Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and generosity, and in 2023, it begins on 22 March. Selamat berpuasa to all our Muslim readers - may this holy month bring you peace, blessings, and spiritual growth.

Batik Friday – Jumat Berbatik

If you’ve ever been on campus on a Friday, you might have noticed some staff members sporting brightly patterned batik shirts and wondered what it was all about. Well, wonder no more! Those shirts are traditional Indonesian batik shirts.

Batik is a form of textile art originating in Indonesia, where wax is applied to fabric before being dyed multiple times to create intricate patterns. In 2009, UNESCO recognized batik as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, prompting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to call on Indonesians to wear batik to celebrate this achievement. This call to action coincided with a Friday, and thus “batik Friday” or “Jumat berbatik” was born.

In Indonesia, Friday (hari Jumat) is an important day as it is when many of the population attend Friday prayers. It’s therefore common for people to wear batik on this day as a sign of respect for their religion and cultural heritage. At Aitken College, the Indonesian faculty has adopted batik Friday to show respect for Indonesia and to highlight the importance of the Indonesia-Australia relationship.

By participating in batik Friday, Aitken College staff members not only honour Indonesian culture, but also celebrate the diverse community at the school. It’s a fun and colourful way to connect with colleagues and promote cultural understanding. So, if you see someone in a batik shirt on a Friday at Aitken College, now you know the story behind the tradition.

This week’s language challenge!

Days of the Week – Nama-nama Hari - Días de la semana

Pak Rogers

Head of Faculty - Languages