‘Gotong Royong’ (Communal Work) During Ramadan: A Collaboration of Goodness for This World and the Hereafter

Full of blessings—this phrase perfectly describes the essence of Ramadan in Islam. During Ramadan, every act of goodness we do is multiplied, and the reward we receive will be greatly enhanced. Ramadan is considered the greatest gift from Allah SWT to the followers of Prophet Muhammad. Thus, Ramadan becomes the perfect time for us to do and spread goodness among others.

In fact, we are already familiar with the spirit of helping one another. This culture of mutual assistance has been ingrained in us since childhood. Many aspects of society teach us about the culture of helping one another. It is therefore natural that the term “gotong royong” (communal work) is commonly heard in our daily lives.

Gotong Royong as a National Cultural Identity

We are fortunate to live in Indonesia. Since childhood, we’ve been accustomed to values of togetherness and kindness toward others. We know these values by the term “gotong royong“. Gotong royong has become deeply embedded in the Indonesian way of life. In other words, gotong royong has become a cultural identity of the Indonesian nation.

In the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Dictionary), gotong royong means to work together. It refers to activities carried out together with the goal of achieving a common purpose. As part of the culture, gotong royong has become an integral aspect of the Indonesian national identity. National identity refers to the characteristics that distinguish a nation from others, and gotong royong serves as a local wisdom that brings countless benefits.

The Tradition of Gotong Royong During Ramadan in Indonesia

As one of the largest Muslim-majority countries, Indonesia has various traditions to welcome and celebrate Islamic holidays. Ramadan is no exception. Indonesian Muslims have many activities in place to observe and celebrate Ramadan. One of these activities is the tradition of distributing takjil (iftar snacks) in public places. This activity has become a familiar practice in Indonesia. But how does distributing takjil in public embody the spirit of gotong royong during Ramadan in Indonesia?

The distribution of takjil requires significant time and effort. It can be exhausting to do it alone. Therefore, we need others to help us complete this task. Gotong royong naturally becomes a part of this process. From preparing the takjil to distributing it, everything is done together. Hence, gotong royong becomes ingrained in Ramadan traditions in Indonesia. It’s not just about sharing takjil, but also about other activities such as cleaning mosques before Ramadan, having sahur and iftar together, and many more.

Goodness in This World and the Hereafter

Dear Initiators, gotong royong is a valuable attitude that benefits both ourselves and others. Helping one another essentially provides ease for everyone in life. We should support each other in doing good, especially during Ramadan, when the reward for gotong royong is multiplied. The goodness and blessings we receive from these acts will bring blessings both in this world and the hereafter.

Let’s continue to spread kindness and help each other. Let’s make this Ramadan more meaningful with gotong royong. By doing so, we can #StrengthenEachOther for the collective good and well-being.

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