Global Ramadhan: A Cross-Cultural Exchange of Ramadhan Traditions and Global Goals by International Students
Cirebon, March 01, 2025 — In a heartfelt initiative connecting faith with global awareness, the International Office and Partnership of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon proudly supported Global Ramadhan, a podcast series developed by members of the International Office and Partnership. This series features international students sharing Ramadhan traditions from their home countries and forms a key part of the Ramadhan Excellence 2025 program, highlighting UIN SSC’s commitment to intercultural dialogue, spiritual reflection, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Led and supported by Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership at UIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, Global Ramadhan is a vibrant program born from the initiative and dedication of members within the International Office and Partnership. The podcast was conceptualized and produced collaboratively by Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir, Bryan Setiaji, and Lukman Anwar Ismail, who sought to create a meaningful platform for intercultural exchange and spiritual reflection. Their vision was to amplify the voices of the university’s diverse international student community, providing a unique space where these students could share their personal experiences and traditions surrounding Ramadhan. Among the featured international students were Tony Samula Guiaman and Raquema B. Moten from the Philippines, alongside Asia Samang, Balkis Song, Adam Saraeh, and Safi’e Lauree from Thailand. Each participant brought a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds and spiritual insights, making the podcast a mosaic of Ramadhan practices that reflect both the diversity and unity of the global Muslim community within UIN SSC. Through six carefully crafted episodes, the series offers listeners an intimate glimpse into family traditions, communal rituals, spiritual preparations, and the celebrations of Eid as experienced in different regions, showcasing how Ramadhan serves as a powerful connector of faith, identity, and community across borders.
Lala Bumela, Ph. D., warmly commended the program during an appreciation event, emphasizing its profound impact beyond simple storytelling. He remarked, “Global Ramadhan is more than storytelling; it’s a meaningful exchange of cultures that nurtures empathy, promotes unity in diversity, and strengthens our collective commitment to sustainable development.” His words underscored the program’s alignment with the university’s mission to foster inclusive education and promote global citizenship among its students. By facilitating this intercultural dialogue, the program not only celebrates the spiritual significance of Ramadhan but also advances awareness of global issues in line with the SDGs, particularly those centered on education, equality, and partnerships.
By giving voice to international students, Global Ramadhan actively contributes to several key Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 4 (Quality Education) is addressed through the program’s focus on intercultural learning and educational exchange, providing listeners with diverse perspectives and knowledge about Islamic practices around the world. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is supported by amplifying the voices of underrepresented international students, fostering inclusion and appreciation of diverse cultural identities within the university community. Furthermore, the program embodies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging collaborative storytelling that bridges local and global communities, strengthening networks of mutual understanding and shared goals across borders.
Listeners are invited to experience a space that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, where shared faith and values inspire unity and mutual respect. The podcast offers more than educational content; it is a celebration of the ways in which diverse communities come together during Ramadhan, enriching one another’s experiences and building a collective spirit of solidarity. It also highlights the role of international students at UIN SSC as cultural ambassadors, whose stories and perspectives enrich the university’s academic and social environment, fostering a vibrant, global-minded campus culture.
Rooted deeply in Islamic tradition yet open to universal values, Global Ramadhan exemplifies how institutions of higher learning can lead the way in promoting intercultural understanding and SDG-driven collaboration. Through thoughtful dialogue, storytelling, and spiritual reflection, the podcast brings together hearts and minds in the universal spirit of Ramadhan — demonstrating the power of faith to unite diverse identities around shared goals of peace, education, and sustainable development.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir