Shakila, an Afghan national, during an interview at the refugee temporary shelter in Kalideres, Jakarta, Sunday, said that every Eid Al-Adha Day, she and her family would visit relatives, sit together for a feast, and wear new clothes.
She further stated every Eid Al-Adha at home in Afghanistan, her family slaughtered at least five cattle as its price was affordable. After slaying the mammals, Shakila and her family cooked the meat with Afghan's traditional recipes.
However, none of the traditions were performed as Shakila now had to live in a temporary center at a facility owned by military command in Kalideres, West Jakarta for at least four years.
She and other foreign refugees now still awaited to be relocated to a permanent country by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Not far from Shakila, a foreign refugee from Sudan, Adam Ali also missed celebrating Eid Al-Adha at home. "After praying and asking for forgiveness to family members, I visited their homes, and they paid a visit as well," Ali stated.
Differed with Shakila who was used to purchase the cattle during the holy day, Ali was used to slay the cattle he raised by himself.
"We raised dozens lambs," Ali shortly recalled his memory celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Sudan.
Nevertheless, Ali, his wife and his baby along with other 1,000 foreign refugees had to stop performing their usual traditions during Eid Al-Adha Day, as they had been displaced from their homes and separated from their relatives due to the wars and humanitarian conflicts.
Related news: Foreign refugees again demonstrate in front of UNHCR Jakarta Office
Translator: Shofi Ayudiana/Genta Tenri Maw
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
