Indramayu, Jaya News.com – Ramadan always presents a space for rekindling brotherhood. On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, coinciding with the 20th day of Ramadan, hundreds of members of the Indonesian Ka’batullah Congregation (JKI) gathered at the residence of Kurnoto, SE, in the Cipedang Bunder Block, Mekarjati Village, Haurgeulis District. Around 350 congregants attended a tradition that continues to be maintained: breaking the fast together as a means of strengthening ties among JKI members.
This iftar (breaking the fast) is not just an annual event, but a program that rotates from one region to another. It is sometimes held in Cirebon City, Cirebon Regency, Indramayu City, and even West Indramayu. This rotating pattern gives each member the opportunity to host and strengthen family ties among the congregation.
That afternoon, the atmosphere was lively. Congregants from various regions began arriving in the early evening. The courtyard of the host’s house was filled with warm conversations and faces filled with longing to see each other again.
The event began promptly at 5:00 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time) and was moderated by Joko Sairan, SH, a tutor at the Al-Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM), who opened the event with the basmalah (prayer). In his remarks, Kurnoto, SE, the host and committee chairman, expressed his gratitude and thanks to the JKI administrators and congregation from the West Indramayu region for their attendance. He also apologized for any shortcomings in the welcome or food.
He stated that this kind of iftar (breaking the fast) gathering is more meaningful than simply eating together. It serves as a space to strengthen relationships, strengthen brotherhood, and maintain unity among JKI members.
The atmosphere became even more solemn when Latif WH, a representative of the Sheikh from the Al-Zaytun Ma’had, delivered a sermon on the importance of maintaining silaturahmi (silaturahmi). In his message, he emphasized that silaturahmi is not only a social tradition, but also part of a teaching believed to prolong life and open the doors to prosperity.
As the Maghrib call to prayer approached, the entire congregation prayed together. Afterward, iftar meals were distributed to the guests. They broke their fast in a friendly atmosphere—residents from Haurgeulis, Gantar, Tukdana, Kopyah, Anjatan, and Indramayu sat side by side, enjoying their meals and engaging in light conversation.
Amidst the gathering, several tutors, alumni, and students from the Al-Zaytun Community Learning Center (PKBM) were also present, both as committee members and invited guests. Their presence added a unique touch to the event.
Some alumni are now active in the community, utilizing the knowledge they gained during their studies. Some are early childhood education teachers, while others actively lead religious activities in their communities.
For the tutors, seeing alumni develop and participate in society is a joy in itself. The education they received doesn’t stop in the classroom, but lives on in social and religious activities within the community.
The time to break the fast passed quickly. After enjoying the food and warm conversation, the event concluded at 6:20 PM WIB with the recitation of the prayer (hamdalah).
The congregation then returned to their homes filled with gratitude. That day’s iftar (breaking the fast) was more than just a gathering, but a reminder that friendship is the force that unites a community. It’s a simple tradition maintained by the JKI family from Cirebon to West Indramayu.
And amidst this togetherness, the presence of the Al-Zaytun Community Service Center (PKBM) tutors became part of the story of education, brotherhood, and devotion that thrives within the community.**
Author: Sri Wahyuni, S.Pd.
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