Taipei, Taiwan – Despite heavy rain, around 20,000 Indonesian worshippers gathered at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall on Monday to participate in a grand Eid al-Fitr prayer ceremony. The event, organized jointly by the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (IETO) and Nahdlatul Ulama Taiwan, marked the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, and celebrated Eid as a “day of victory.”
The large-scale gathering underscored the strong presence of the Indonesian community in Taiwan, particularly the contributions of migrant workers. The event was not only a religious observance but also an opportunity to reinforce cultural ties between Taiwan and Indonesia.
A Grand Gathering Despite the Rain
Rain did little to dampen the spirits of worshippers who arrived at the venue early in the morning. Clad in traditional attire, men and women congregated for prayer, reflecting on a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual growth. The atmosphere was filled with joy and unity, with attendees exchanging greetings of “Eid Mubarak” and embracing one another.
The prayer session was led by religious scholars and Imams, who delivered sermons on the values of patience, gratitude, and resilience. The event also highlighted the importance of strengthening community bonds, especially for migrant workers living far from their homeland.
Taiwan’s Labor Minister Expresses Gratitude to Indonesian Workers
Taiwan’s Minister of Labor, Hung Sun-han (洪申翰), attended the ceremony and delivered a speech acknowledging the significant contributions of Indonesian migrant workers to Taiwan’s economic growth and social development.
“Taiwan owes much of its economic growth to migrant workers, a large proportion of whom are from Indonesia,” Hung stated.
According to the Ministry of Labor (MOL), of the 800,000 migrant workers in Taiwan, more than 300,000 are from Indonesia. The majority of them, approximately 190,000, work as domestic caregivers, making up 80% of all migrant caregivers in Taiwan.
Hung expressed appreciation for their role in taking care of Taiwanese families and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving working conditions for migrant workers.
“The MOL will continue striving to improve your working conditions, including worker rights and income. We will work toward incremental improvements,” he assured the attendees.
Beyond labor policies, Hung stressed the importance of cultural and religious understanding in employer-employee relationships. He pledged that the government would work to ensure Taiwanese employers are aware of and respect the religious and cultural needs of their Indonesian employees.
IETO Hosts Multiple Eid Celebrations Across Taiwan
Indonesia’s Representative to Taiwan, Arif Sulistiyo, highlighted that the IETO had arranged 30 Eid prayers across Taiwan on Monday, ensuring that Indonesian workers across different regions had the opportunity to celebrate.
“This event is not just about prayer, but also about strengthening relationships among Indonesians in Taiwan, especially for those who may not have the opportunity to meet frequently,” Arif said.
Following the main event at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, over 100 Indonesians attended an “open house” gathering at the IETO headquarters in Taipei’s Neihu District. The event provided a platform for community members to connect, celebrate, and share a festive meal. It was particularly meaningful for those who could not return to Indonesia for the holiday.
The Role of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Taiwan’s Economy
Indonesian workers in Taiwan play a vital role in multiple sectors, particularly in elderly care, manufacturing, and construction. Many work as live-in caregivers, assisting aging Taiwanese citizens. However, challenges such as long working hours, lack of legal protections, and cultural barriers remain pressing concerns.
While Taiwan has made gradual improvements in labor rights, advocacy groups continue to call for better policies, including the inclusion of live-in caregivers under Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act.
Strengthening Taiwan-Indonesia Relations Through Cultural Exchange
Beyond the labor force, Indonesia and Taiwan have strong economic and cultural ties. The Eid al-Fitr celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of religious and cultural inclusion in Taiwan. Events like these foster greater mutual understanding and respect between Taiwanese society and its large Indonesian community.
With ongoing efforts from the MOL, IETO, and religious organizations, the hope is that migrant workers will not only feel valued for their contributions to Taiwan but also respected in their cultural and religious practices.
FAQs
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. It is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and charitable giving.
How many Indonesians are working in Taiwan?
As of 2024, there are over 300,000 Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan, with around 190,000 working as caregivers.
Did the Taiwanese government participate in the Eid celebrations?
Yes, Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han attended the event and expressed gratitude for Indonesian workers’ contributions to Taiwan.
How is Taiwan improving conditions for migrant workers?
The Ministry of Labor has pledged to incrementally improve worker rights and wages while promoting cultural awareness among employers.
Were there other Eid celebrations in Taiwan?
Yes, the IETO organized 30 prayer events across Taiwan to ensure Indonesian workers had the opportunity to celebrate.
