Thousands of Indonesians living in Taiwan gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers in Taipei yesterday, with many praying for peace in Taiwan as they marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The prayer session, which took place in front of the National Taiwan Museum, was organized by PCINU Taiwan — the local branch of Indonesian Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama — and several other expatriate groups.
PCINU member Didik Purwanto said that attendees prayed “not only for ourselves, but also for Taiwan because of recent tensions [with China]. We pray for our Taiwanese friends, their families and everyone in Taiwan to be safe.”
Photo: CNA
“This is the moment of unity for Muslims in Taiwan,” said Didik, who works at an electronics company based in Taipei.
Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for Indonesian Citizen Protection Judha Nugraha on Monday said that Jakarta had drafted contingency plans to ensure the safety of Indonesians living in in Taiwan.
However, Judha said that the plans, drafted by the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office in Taipei, were part of the Indonesian government’s standard operating procedures for protecting overseas citizens and not only a response to the recent situation in the Taiwan Strait.
An earlier report by Indonesian media outlet Kompas quoted Judha as saying that the ministry had coordinated with the Taipei office to plan the evacuation of 350,000 Indonesians from Taiwan.
“We are aware of the plans and we are a bit worried as we follow the news through media. That’s why we pray for Taiwan,” Didik said.
Sulie, an Indonesian caregiver who also attended yesterday’s event, said that Chinese military exercises around Taiwan last year and this year made her and her friends worried about their safety.
“We do have information that our government has plans to bring us back to Indonesia if the tensions come to a point where we are in a dangerous situation,” Sulie said.
Lina Marlina, an Indonesian university student, said she hopes Taiwan will continue to be a peaceful place for all residents.
“We hope that everyone can enjoy peace while living in Taiwan without having to worry about China waging a war against us,” she said.
Lina, who is in her third year of university, said she is planning to work in Taiwan after her graduation, but she would have to go back to Indonesia if China invades.
“War never does anyone any good. We hope there will never be a war,” Lina said.
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