The gathering was held under the theme: “Through the Ramadan 2026 Iftar Gathering, we strengthen the spirit of friendship and tolerance in the atmosphere of brotherly love among students to realize Ende Sare Pawe as the City of Pancasila.”

Students and teachers from SMAK Syuradikara Ende, Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Ende, and Pesantren Walisanga participated in the event, highlighting the importance of interreligious friendship among young people.

In his opening remarks, the principal of SMAK Syuradikara Ende, Brother Kristianus Riberu, SVD, explained that the Iftar gathering is an annual initiative of the school designed to strengthen bonds of friendship and solidarity among students.

He emphasized that breaking the fast together is more than sharing a meal; it is an opportunity to reflect on the deeper values of tolerance, unity, and mutual respect. The choice of Bung Karno Reflection Park as the venue also carried symbolic meaning.

The park is historically associated with Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, who once spent time in exile in Ende and reflected there on the philosophical foundations that later shaped the national ideology of Pancasila.

“This place is a home of tolerance,” he said, inviting students to rediscover the spirit of brotherhood in a world often marked by division, egoism, and hostility.

During his remarks, Kristianus also shared a touching memory from his childhood. The religious habit he wore that evening, he explained, was a gift from his Muslim grandmother. As a child, he often spent time playing around a mosque in his neighborhood.

For him, these experiences illustrate how living together in diversity has long been a natural part of daily life, shaping attitudes of respect and openness toward people of different faiths.

Representing Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Ende, Mrs. Ainun expressed appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to gather in such a spirit of friendship.

She noted that Ende holds a special place in Indonesia’s history because of its connection to Sukarno and his reflections on the nation’s foundational values. Events like this, she said, help preserve those ideals by nurturing friendship and respect among young people of different religions.

She expressed hope that such encounters would continue to strengthen both faith and tolerance among students.

The program continued with a recitation of verses from the Qur’an by a student from Madrasah Aliyah Negeri Ende, creating a reflective atmosphere as the time for breaking the fast approached.

A spiritual reflection (tausiah) was then delivered by Ustad Awaludin. In his message, he shared his personal story of growing up in a Catholic family while living in a peaceful and accepting environment. For him, the gathering that afternoon reflected God’s love at work in human diversity.

He explained that fasting during Ramadan is a path to deeper devotion and self-discipline. Ramadan, he said, can be understood as a “curriculum” given by God to help believers grow spiritually and become better individuals. The lessons learned during this holy month should continue to guide daily life long after Ramadan ends.

He also spoke about the significance of the last ten days of Ramadan, a time when Muslims intensify their spiritual search for God’s mercy and blessings. More broadly, he emphasized that Ramadan teaches people to live peacefully with one another and not to be easily influenced by conflicts and divisions that often arise from worldly interests.

As sunset approached and the moment to break the fast arrived, participants shared food and conversations in a joyful atmosphere of friendship.

More than a ceremonial event, the gathering became a visible sign of a shared commitment to nurture and protect the spirit of brotherhood across religious differences.

In his closing remarks, Bro. Kristianus expressed a simple yet profound hope: that the friendships formed that afternoon would continue beyond the event itself.
“If one day you meet again on the street,” he said, “may you not feel like strangers.”

Through this gathering, students in Ende were reminded that tolerance is not merely an abstract idea. It grows through real encounters, mutual respect, and a willingness to live peacefully together.

This spirit continues to inspire the vision of Ende Sare Pawe as the City of Pancasila, a place where unity and harmony flourish amid diversity.