Ramadan: Suddenly religious

P.J. Leo, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 08/06/2010 9:05 AM

It’s good: Jetty Pribadi (center), the owner of
Alda JP Design, talks to a prospective buyer.

Ramadan fasting month will come in the next few days and Muslim people from various walks of life have begun to welcome the holy month.

Some Indonesian singers have released religious albums. Many, including celebrities, become suddenly devoted — at least, seen from wearing different cloth styles, such as wearing jilbab or a headscarf. TV stations have promoted their buka (breaking the fast) and sahur (predawn meal) programs. Mosques are full of people performing tarawih prayers.

Sharp-sneezing businesspeople see Ramadan as an opportunity to sell their products: Garments, claimed to be free-alcohol cosmetics, foods and beverages, Islamic CDs and DVDs, umrah [minor haj pilgrimage], for example.

Never give up: Amalia, who is deaf, from Amy Ibrahim
Atmanto Creative House, sews sequins onto a dress.

A recent event, “Fashion and Accessories Expo 2010”, which took place at the Small and Medium Enterprises and Coopertive building in South Jakarta, is an example of Ramadan welcoming.

Held from July 28 to Aug. 1, the annual event with the theme “Cosmos Muslim Fashion” offered a variety of products from local designers and small and medium enterprises.

It also organized creative competitions, workshops and talkshows which were considered ways to attract visitors, mostly women. In religion and capitalism, women are a favorite target.

Haute gown: Long dresses and headscarves
are among choices of Muslim fashion.

Muslims around the world will end Ramadan after a month-long fasting and celebrate Idul Fitri holidays on Sept. 10 and 11.

Idul Fitri is supposed to celebrate the rebirth of Muslims by forgiving each other.

As people get ready for their homecoming to celebrate the Idul Fitri with the big families, many of us put on our best and new clothes for the celebration.

— Text and photos by JP/P.J. Leo