Indonesian Catholic children distribute food to Muslims

Several children who are members of Bina Iman (Sunday school) from the Catholic Church of St John's Parish, Ciamis, West Java Province, distributed Eid food parcels to the community around Lebak village, Ciamis, not far away from the Church site on Sunday, May 1.

Guided by Father Mikael, the children visited the homes of underprivileged Muslims while carrying special food baskets made of woven bamboo.

Previously this village was declared a Kampung Kerukunan (village of harmony) by the Mayor of Ciamis. 

Considering there are four places of worship side by side in this location, namely the mosque, church, Hindu temple, and prayer house for Confucianism.

The food parcel contained “ketupat” (a Javanese rice cake packed inside a diamond-shaped container of woven coconut leaf pouch), chicken curry, eggs, stir-fried potatoes, and drinks.

One of the children, Celli, said that they deliberately made Eid ketupat, which was distributed to the community around the Church. 

"We are currently making food for Eid-al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan.

For later, we will distribute it to our Muslim brothers around the church later," she said. 

There were 110 Eid ketupat packages which were distributed to 110 families.

"Hopefully, it will be useful for those who celebrate Eid al-Fitr," she said.

Several children accompanied by their parents and Sunday school teacher were seen enthusiastically cooking and serving Eid ketupat for the community.

"Together they make it, then put it in the basket and deliver it to the houses," he said.

With this activity, they can learn a lot about how to live in harmony with everyone, even though they have different religions, added Celli. 

One recipient of the food parcel was Ibu Dedeh (60), a resident of Lebak village. She lives in a simple house.

Ibu Dedeh's eyes were filled with tears when she received the Eid setup package from the children of the Saint John's Catholic Church.

"I am happy that I got this ketupat gift. Thank God for Eid," said Ibu Dedeh.

Emeli, another member of Bina Iman, added this activity was a way to cultivate tolerance from an early age. 

She has been taught to be able to make friends and be friendly with everyone without discriminating against other religions.

"We must be able to live in harmony and tolerance because we are both children of God. So, even though we have different religions, we are Catholic, our friends are Muslims, we are happy and I am happy to celebrate Eid also," she said. - Emiliana Saptaningsih