The holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching, and preparations are underway across Indonesia as residents gear up for the celebrations. With vibrant marketplaces like Pasar Tasik in Jakarta buzzing with activity, many citizens are on the hunt for fashionable clothing and accessories to embrace the spirit of the season.
Pasar Tasik serves as one of the city's key locations for fashion hunting, where residents seek everything from traditional garments to trendy outfits as they prepare for Ramadan 1446 Hijriah. The lively atmosphere proves to be perfect for those eager to refresh their wardrobes for the month of fasting and communal prayer.
Alongside fashion discussions, educational institutions are also making strides to accommodate students during this significant time. The Surabaya city government has laid out special plans, particularly through the efforts of the Education Department. With Ramadan falling between late February and March, schools will adapt their teaching strategies and schedules to support students undertaking fasting.
The head of the Surabaya Education Department, Yusuf Masruh, detailed the arrangements, stating, "During Ramadan, learning will be divided between independent home studies and religious activities at schools or places of worship." This arrangement applies not just to Muslim students but also ensures inclusivity for those of different faiths.
Between February 27-28 and March 3-5, formal classes will shift to home-based learning, allowing students to complete assigned tasks. For Muslim students, activities include writing religious speeches and creating Ramadan greeting cards, stimulating both creativity and connection to their faith. Non-Muslim students are offered similar engaging assignments to reflect their beliefs, such as producing reflections based on Christian texts or engaging with Hindu stories.
Yusuf noted the aim is to make the month both educational and spiritually enriching, stating, "Bagi siswa beragama selain Islam, dianjurkan melaksanakan kegiatan bimbingan rohani dan kegiatan keagamaan sesuai dengan agama dan kepercayaan masing-masing." The educators are being encouraged to create exciting competitions, such as calligraphy contests and religious oratory sessions, fostering not only academic skills but also moral development during Ramadan.
The shorter lesson durations reflect the unique needs of students during this period of fasting. For elementary students, class sessions will last only 25 minutes, and for junior high, they will extend to 30 minutes. This modification aligns with the Circular Letter issued by the Minister of Religion, the Minister of Education and Culture, and the Minister of Home Affairs detailing the educational adjustments during Ramadan 1446 H/2025 M.
Schools are advised to implement their own schedules, but under the guidelines established, they can tailor learning experiences without compromising the structured educational framework. "Sekolah dapat mengatur jam belajar mereka sendiri, tetapi tetap mengikuti batas waktu yang telah ditentukan," Yusuf emphasized, pointing out the importance of maintaining balance during this period.
The overarching goal of all these arrangements is to help students engage meaningfully with Ramadan, harmonizing educational responsibilities with cultural and religious observance. Yusuf wrapped up the discussion with optimism, hoping, "Semua siswa dapat mendapatkan pembelajaran yang efektif tapi tetap bermakna selama bulan Ramadan." His sentiments reflect the communal spirit of Ramadan—where learning and faith flourish together.
Clearly, as Ramadan approaches, the confluence of fashion and educational adaptation showcases the enthusiasm and commitment of Indonesians, reinforcing cultural ties and communal bonds during this significant holy month.