Indonesians in Taiwan Find a More Welcoming Atmosphere on Eid al-Fitr Than in Years Past · Global Voices
An Indonesian mother brought her son to join the Eid al-Fitr celebration in front to Taipei Station. Photo from 4-Way Voice's Facebook page
During the weekend of July 18 and 19, many Indonesians residing in Taiwan observed Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of the holy month of fasting called Ramadan. They held celebrations in public areas including Taipei Railway Station and 228 Memorial Park as well as in major mosques across the country.
Many Taiwanese enjoyed the colorful festival scene, something that would be difficult to imagine only a few years ago.
In 2012, the Taiwan Railways Administration surrounded the Indonesians who were celebrating the Eid al-Fitr inside the Taipei Railway Station and urged them to disperse with loudspeakers. Rather than speaking up for the minority group, most mainstream media outlets condemned what they called an abusive use of public space. The Indonesian community felt discriminated against.
Several NGOs that provide support for migrant workers protested against the Taiwan Railways Administration, hoping that authorities would show more respect for Indonesian Muslims. Yet, the same conflict happened again in 2013.
The situation improved in 2014 as the new chief of Taipei Railway Station worked hand-in-hand with NGOs and the Indonesian community to prepare for the festival. 602
Not only was Eid al-Fitr celebrated without controversy, the event also served to educate Taiwanese on understanding their Muslim friends’ religion and culture.
Currently, about 250,000 Indonesians live in Taiwan. About 230,000 are staying for their work, while 20,000 have immigrated permanently to Taiwan.
This year, in addition to the Taipei Railway Station, there were more well-prepared festival sites. The Department of Labor in Taipei prepared the event venue in nearby 228 Memorial Park, and five major mosques across Taiwan also hosted Eid al-Fitr celebration .
4-Way Voice, a newspaper devoted to migrant workers from Southeast Asia, reported on the celebration at Taipei station:
許多印尼移工在活動結束又得匆匆趕回去工作，有更多移工因為交通、工作關係，無法前來一起來和同鄉過新年；不論身在何方，四方報也祝所有穆斯林讀者開齋節快樂！Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri！
Many Indonesian workers needed to return to their work after the event in a hurry. More could not celebrate the new year with their fellow Indonesians either because transportation or work. However, no matter where our Muslim readers are, 4-way Voice wishes all our readers have a happy Eid al-Fitr. <PERSON>.
The temporary clean water station prepared for Muslims who attended the celebration. Image from 4-Way Voice.
<PERSON>, who employs an Indonesian domestic helper, took the opportunity to thank her on Facebook:
祝福所有印尼辛苦的移工們快樂。[…]她們撐起台灣長照缺口，沒有她們，台灣48萬長期臥床老人家庭一定崩盤。
我們家這些年也幸運有個天使，從照顧我開刀，復元到照顧公公離世，婆婆生病的繁重工作，翻身、胃管，洗浴都靠她。[…]今天開齋節，希望她們好好玩。謝謝她們。
Hope all Indonesian workers who work very hard have a good day. 368