Happy Eid to all the Muslims in Macau, where most of them come from Indonesia. After completing their month-long fasting, the followers of Islam earlier today began their celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is also called “Lebaran” in Indonesia.
The word “Lebaran” is thought to come from the Javanese word “lebar” (“finished”), referring to the end of the fasting month.
While most Indonesian Muslims in Macau – both migrant workers and local residents – celebrate the day by visiting some of their friends who have open houses, ready to welcome visitors with various Indonesian Eid delicacies like the diamond-shaped Javanese rice cake called ketupat, the faithfuls in Indonesia usually celebrate Eid al-Fitr at their family houses (parents, grandparents or the oldest siblings).
It is also the case with two Macau residents and sisters Marissa Lorylin Widjaja (21) and Nadya Rufina Widjaja (20), who are now based between Jakarta and Bali, working as professional models.
Marissa was a finalist in Indonesia’s Next Top Model (INTM) Cycle 2 and Nadya is a regular at the annual Jakarta Fashion Week – both do various fashion shoots, runways and video ads. Most recently, Nadya also modelled for the music video of “Shallow Water”, a song by famous Indonesian singer Afgan.
Every Eid al-Fitr, the two sisters along with their parents and younger sister visit their maternal grandmother’s house in the East Javanese city of Kediri, unless they really cannot make it. Last year, for example, they returned to Macau (where their father was born) during the Eid holiday.
But today, they are back in their mother’s hometown for a few days of celebration with the extended family in Kediri.
Good News Macau talked to Marissa (M) and Nadya (N) about what the “Lebaran” means to them and how they are celebrating it in Indonesia.
What is the meaning of Eid al-Fitr to you?
M: It’s the day of forgiveness after a month of cleansing (fasting).
N: It means reuniting with family and celebrating the day together.
What do you usually do during Eid al-Fitr?
M: After fasting for a month, we greet our family members on the Eid al-Fitr day and celebrate the day by eating good food.
N: Eat traditional food and catch up with family.
How are you spending your Eid al-Fitr this year?
M: We decided to go back to Kediri to celebrate it with my mother’s side of the family.
What do you like about the Eid al-Fitr celebration?
M: I love how we all get together to celebrate, since we (the extended family) all mostly live in different parts of Indonesia.
N: Eating tonnes of good food.
What are your most favourite Eid al-Fitr dishes?
M: Rendang because it is the most flavourful dish.
N: My favourite dishes are ketupat and rendang.
How long have you guys been based in Indonesia now?
N: Around 8 years.
What are your current activities there?
M: Mostly fly back and forth (Jakarta – Bali) for shows or photoshoots. When I’m free, I go to the beach.
N: My modelling career.
What is Macau to you?
M: It’s still a place I call home.
N: Macau will always be home to me because it brings back many childhood memories.
When was the last time you visited Macau?
M: It was April last year. Our whole family visited Macau.
N: We were there for a few weeks.
When do you guys plan to visit Macau again?
N: Sometimes this year.
What do you miss the most about Macau? Why?
M: I miss my family, especially my cousins who I grew up with, and of course the food.
N: I miss eating certain food and my relatives who are there.
How did you celebrate Eid al-Fitr when you were growing up in Macau?
M: We had a gathering with family and friends and had a feast.
N: Yes, there would always be Indonesian food that everyone missed.
Last comments or greetings for this year’s Eid al-Fitr?
M: Eid Mubarak to those celebrating!
N: Wishing everyone a great Eid al-Fitr! (Gilbert Humphrey)
Good News Macau wishes a happy Eid al-Fitr to those who are celebrating it!
Photos courtesy of Marissa and Nadya, TOUCH UP ATELIER, INTM
Captions:
Photo 1 (main): Marissa (left) and Nadya
Photo 3: Marissa and Nadya posed for a photo with their mother (right) and a teacher at their old school Macau Anglican School (MAC) in Taipa several years ago.
Photo 4: Marrisa and Nadya grew up with their late paternal grandmother Debbie Ruth Yip in Macau.
Photo: 9 (last): The Widjaja Family during this year’s Eid al-Fitr celebration
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