International Students Celebrate Ramadan at ITB, Promoting Campus Diversity and Global Dialogue
By Atika Widya Nurfaizah - Biomanajemen, 2025
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – A warm atmosphere of togetherness filled the International Relations Office (IRO) of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) on Friday, February 27, 2026. Approximately 140 international students from across the globe gathered to observe Ramadan at the "International Students’ Grand Ifthar 2026".
The event aimed to introduce Indonesian Ramadan traditions while providing moral support to international students living far from home.
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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"—local ITB students—to 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 ITB, emphasized that the IRO is committed to being a welcoming "home" for all international students. “Through this event, we introduce the significance of fasting and provide a space for students to engage more closely with the ITB community,” she explained.
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Dr. Andryanto Rikrik Kusmara, S.Sn., M.Sn., Vice Rector for Communication, Partnerships, Alumni Affairs, and Administration, along with ITB 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’s 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.
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Haman expressed high appreciation for ITB’s 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. “The uniqueness here lies in how we share Ifthar and meals within a large community that feels just like a family,” he remarked.
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The event concluded with a solemn communal fast-breaking session, reinforcing ITB's commitment to global engagement based on a profound respect for cultural and religious diversity.
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