Fitr in Eid al-Fitr means purity, going back to the purest human state. The purity also means true modesty without artificialities. On Tuesday (7/5), past 3pm, the spirit to end the holy month of Ramadan 1437 Hijriya is over Tembagapura. The celebration committee has make sure that the podium and the backdrop is installed facing to the west or the qibla. As the adzan sounded in the air, those who were fasting broke their last fasting with the spirit of completion – after completing one full month of Ramadan. The Eid al-Fitr marks their victory over their struggle to retain themselves from cravings and desires during the holy month of Ramadan. Following the Isya prayer, series of Eid al-Fitr celebration in Jobsite were marked by commencement of takbir parade in the townsite - from Tembagapura all the way to Hidden Valley, Bukit Barat, Amole and West. There were more or less 30 light vehicles joining the parade to echo the sound of victory all over the townsite. The following morning, the mist hovering above Tembagapura as if it appears from the surrounding hills. Plastic carpet has been spanned on the soccer field since 3am. Borders on the male and female areas have been well-arranged to welcome the Eid al-Fitr prayer congregations. The backdrop of the podium with mosque decoration dominated by copper color adds color to the misty devoted morning. The takbir keeps echoed in the air. Since 6am, the Eid al-Fitr congregations from all over areas in Tembagapura – Hidden Valley, Rainbow Ridge, and Ridge Camp – flocked the soccer field.

Prior to the prayer started, few remarks were made among others was from chairman of the 1437 H Eid al-Fitr celebration committee who mentions series of events conducted during the holy month of 1437 H Ramadan: Tarhib Ramadan or welcoming the holy of Ramadan featuring the twins ustadz from Jakarta; open fastings at the Darussa’adah Mosque which attended by more than 400 congregations; coordination with community groups to invite guest ustadz to give preaching during Ramadan; invitation of guest imams to lead tarawih (the Ramadan prayer), as well as zakat or charity raising that thankfully exceeding this year’s target. The donations were then distributed to the fellow brothers and sisters who are in need both in Papua and outside Papua areas.

Ahmad Didi Ardianto, EVP Human Resources who gave speech as the representative of PTFI management calls all the Eid prayer congregation to maintain Ramadan spirit even post the completion of the holy month. The cooperative and productive spirit shall be maintain efficiently, he said.

Series of Eid al-Fitr celebration in Jobsite were followed by community gathering at the Tembagapura Sport Hall. The Sport Hall was turned into community festivities venue for all communities who gathered to enjoy the delightful Eid’s dishes – the famous ketupat, chicken curry, beef rendang, satay, and many more. Everyone was invited to share holiday’s happiness. Even though most of them who appeared at the Sport Hall were those who could not join to celebrate the Eid at their hometowns, the charm and happiness of the holiday are still among them who celebrate the Eid al-Fitr in Jobsite.
Eid al-Fitr euphoria was also lived among the Lowland communities. Moslems in Kuala Kencana mingled in the holiday’s happiness by visiting houses held open houses, a distinguished Jobsite’s tradition when it comes to holiday celebration.
Happy Eid al-Fitr to all Freeporters Moslem communities, minal aidin wal faidin, sincere apologies. (Hardi)