Now it's Ramadan again. Muslims are fasting, which is an important part of Islam. After a day of not eating and drinking, usually people in Yogyakarta like to do ngabuburit activity.



In Yogyakarta, there is a favorite place for ngabuburit, which is "Pasar Kaget Ramadan". In this Ramadan market, there are many small foods for breaking the fast and various traditional and modern foods.


The price of food sold at this market is also affordable, so it is suitable for students. One of the newly popular Ramadan markets among young people in Yogyakarta is the "Ramadan Jogokariyan" afternoon market.


This afternoon market is located in the Jogokariyan Mosque in Yogyakarta. In addition to its unique Ramadan market, this village mosque has a long history and is famous not only in Indonesia but also worldwide.


This mosque was built in 1966 and began to be used in 1967. The name of the mosque is taken from the name of the village where the mosque stands, namely Kampung Jogokariyan. Initially, the mosque was located to the south of the Jokogkariyan village but was then moved to the center of the village by the first mosque takmir, Ustadz Amin Said, in accordance with the habit of Prophet Muhammad SAW in naming the mosque according to its location.


The Jogokariyan Mosque is located at the corner of the village intersection and was built gradually. Initially, it only consisted of the main building. Then in 2006, the Islamic Center was built on the east side of the main building.


That year, a resident's house next to the mosque collapsed, so the mosque bought the land so that the area of ​​the mosque complex could be expanded. All congregational services are carried out at the Jogokariyan Mosque Islamic Center, such as the clinic bureau, distribution bureau, and committee to action for the congregation.


The many activities in this mosque make it always crowded, not only during Ramadan. Many Muslim communities from Yogyakarta and abroad come here. Even a few years ago, the European Parliament and Palestinian scholars visited for comparative studies. This village mosque attracts attention because although it is not a grand mosque, it can be worldwide renowned.


The afternoon market in Jogokariyan village, which only exists during Ramadan, is always anticipated by Yogyakarta residents. However, there is a slight difference between Jogokariyan Ramadan tradition in the past and now.


Before the pandemic, the market was more crowded with visitors and trader stalls compared to now. Many visitors wait for several hours before breaking their fast at Jogokariyan Mosque's area.


When the call to prayer sounds, traders and visitors jointly lay out mats in the middle of the road not far from the mosque area. They share snacks that they have bought since the afternoon together.


Jogokariyan Mosque also offers activities that can be followed, such as free iftar and Madinah and Gaza-style tarawih. However, this year many things are adjusted to the pandemic situation such as mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing. Traders also have to take GeNose tests first and wear identification tags on their necks.


The takjil piring terbang tradition was replaced with distributing boxed rice that can be taken home by visitors. All of these measures are taken to avoid crowds that are at risk.


This Ramadan, Jogokariyan Mosque holds an afternoon market called Kampoeng Ramadhan Jogokariyan. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they have to limit the number of traders and the distance between them to avoid crowding. The mosque also provides around 2000 servings of iftar food every day at a price of Rp12,500 per portion.


In addition, GeNose test services are provided every Monday to Saturday at Jogokariyan Mosque. Health protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands, and providing hand sanitizer are also well-implemented at Kampoeng Ramadhan Jogokariyan. However, maintaining distance between people is still difficult due to the many visitors. Therefore, everyone must be careful and maintain personal hygiene.