Jakarta: The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with OIC Youth Indonesia and the Community Da'wah Institution (LDK) of the Muhammadiyah Central Board, organized a Ramadan Iftar gathering to enhance friendship and reinforce values of tolerance and harmony in the Islamic world. The event was themed 'Strengthening Connectivity and Values-Based Smart Power for Tolerance and Harmony in the Islamic World' and took place at the Muhammadiyah Central Board Hall in Jakarta.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the gathering was attended by Ramil Rzayev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Indonesia; Astrid Nadya Rizqita, President of OIC Youth Indonesia; Muchamad Arifin, S.Ag., M.Ag., Chairman of LDK PP Muhammadiyah; and Beni Pramula, Member of the Board of Advisors of OIC Youth Indonesia. Additionally, several distinguished figures from the diplomatic and academic community were present, including Prof. Husnan Bey Fanani, former Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Azerbaijan (2016-2020), and Bunyan Saptomo, former Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Bulgaria and Albania.
In her remarks, Astrid Nadya Rizqita emphasized that Ramadan is not merely a month of fasting but a moment for reflection and strengthening shared values of harmony and solidarity. She noted that the theme of the gathering reflects the belief that harmony in the Islamic world must be continuously nurtured through interaction and cooperation across communities.
Muchamad Arifin, Chairman of LDK PP Muhammadiyah, explained the institution's focus on strengthening community-based da'wah initiatives that reach various segments of society, including remote areas. He highlighted that forums like this Ramadan Iftar gathering provide an important space for strengthening relationships and building connections among communities.
Arifin also pointed out Muhammadiyah's contribution to education across Indonesia, including in eastern regions such as Papua and East Nusa Tenggara. He mentioned that Muhammadiyah universities and schools in these areas demonstrate inclusivity, with many having a majority of non-Muslim students.
On the same occasion, Beni Pramula emphasized that the gathering also contributes to strengthening relations among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He noted the essential role young people play as bridges connecting societies across countries while sustaining diplomatic relations for the future.
The event also highlighted historical narratives reflecting the longstanding interconnectedness of the Muslim world, including the hypothesis that Maulana Malik Ibrahim, known as Sunan Gresik, may have historical links to the Caucasus region, including present-day Azerbaijan.
Looking ahead, Azerbaijan will host the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in 2026, bringing together heads of state from OIC member countries. Azerbaijan's role within the OIC ecosystem, particularly in promoting youth participation and diplomacy, underscores its commitment to sustainable development and cooperation among OIC member states.
Through this Ramadan Iftar gathering, participants discussed the importance of strengthening connectivity among Muslim youth across countries and the role of civil society organizations in advancing values-based diplomacy. The event is expected to further strengthen collaboration between youth communities, da'wah institutions, and international partners in promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony across the Islamic world.