The Ramadan holiday season in Indonesia offers ETAs a variety of unique and exciting opportunities to engage with their communities.
In 2025, AMINEF introduced a new initiative, “Ramadan Bliss.” This program provided opportunities for ETAs to leverage the holiday season to increase their impact in the community—the program was a resounding success! Building on last year’s achievements, AMINEF repeated the initiative in 2026, encouraging ETAs to celebrate in their communities.
Leading up to Ramadan, ETAs worked to craft funding proposals for Ramadan-related projects, which were then implemented and celebrated during the holiday. We are excited to share a brief selection of their successful initiatives:
At SMAN 1 Kalianda, ETA Charlie Cushman hosted a community-centered iftar celebration, bringing together students and teachers to cook Indonesian dishes and break their fast together. Cushman also shared a presentation on how Ramadan is observed in the United States, while participants reflected on their own traditions. The event created a welcoming space for cultural exchange, language practice, and mutual understanding.
Meanwhile, at SMA NU Al-Ma’ruf Kudus, ETA Iyesha Belgrave organized a cross-cultural iftar connecting Indonesian students with Muslim students from Duke University. Participants prepared “day-in-the-life” videos and exchanged questions about Ramadan in their respective countries. The program encouraged meaningful dialogue and offered students the opportunity to practice English in an engaging, real-world context.
ETA Jason Yan hosted a collaborative iftar event at SMK 2 Krian Sidoarjo where students and teachers from diverse backgrounds gathered to discuss the significance of Ramadan. Muslim participants shared their experiences with fasting and daily practices, while Yan introduced perspectives from the United States. The event combined cultural exchange with interactive English-language activities, fostering both understanding and communication skills.
At SMKN 6 Padang, ETA Navara Syed organized an iftar featuring a virtual exchange with a mosque community in the United States. Students participated in a live Q&A and virtual tour, gaining insight into how Ramadan is observed in another cultural context. The event encouraged students to explore the diversity of the global Muslim experience, especially in the U.S., before breaking their fast together.
Finally, at SMAN 5 Bandar Lampung and MAN Insan Cendekia Kota Kendari, ETAs Victoria Djou and Emiko Wu each partnered with students at their schools to organize service-oriented visits to local orphanages. Students met with orphans, led English-language games and activities, and donated essential supplies to support the community. These projects highlighted the values of generosity, service, and cultural exchange during Ramadan.
Clearly, Ramadan Bliss 2026 was a success, enhancing the impact of the Fulbright ETA program in Indonesia. AMINEF hopes to continue supporting similar projects in future years.
