What is Takjil War?
The phenomenon of “Takjil War” comes from two words: “Takjil” and “War”. Takjil is linguistically derived from “ajila” which means to hasten, so basically Takjil means to accelerate or hasten in breaking the fast. In the Dictionary of Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI), takjil is defined as “hastening (in breaking the fast)”. So, takjil contains an order not to delay breaking the fast, because in Islam, hastening breaking the fast is recommended. However, over time, the word “takjil” has come to mean appetizers when the time to break the fast arrives. Snacks such as “Kolak, Agar-agar, Kurma, onde-onde or Klepon” and even other foods that are never sold on other ordinary days that are commonly consumed when breaking the fast are then referred to as “takjil”. While “War” is taken from English. So the merging of Takjil and war has characterized the assimilation of language and culture. Actually, Takjil hunting is definitely done by all countries that have Muslim communities, in other words, wherever there is a Muslim community, there must be Takjil hunting. However, Takjil hunting in Indonesia is not only enlivened by Muslim communities, as a democratic country with freedom of religion, non-Muslim communities in Indonesia are more horrendous in the tradition of Takjil hunting. This is the allure of it.
Why Islam In Indonesia Is Different From The Rest of The World
Talking about Islam, we can divide it into two lines of understanding. First, Islam as a religion that has its own holy book just like other teachings that function as a guide to life, and other spiritual functions for its adherents containing guidance, laws, news of the past and so on. On this path, Islam as a teaching is similar between the West and the East, between Islam in democracies countries, Communists countries, Monarchies countries and whatever form it takes, Islam remains in the teachings of its holy book.
On the second path, Islam can be understood as a culture represented by its adherents. This representation varies according to the environment, customs, politics, education, geography and so on. These expressions characterize Islam in certain regions differently from other regions. Although both are Muslim, the face of Islam in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and America will look different.
As a country with the largest Muslim share in the world, Islam has its own uniqueness. This is due to several factors;
First, the historical factor. It should be noted that Islam in Indonesia has a different history from other regions. Islam is synonymous with warfare and conquest in Africa, the Middle East and some parts of Asia such as China, Myanmar, Philiphine and others. Islam in Indonesia came peacefully, emphasizing more on the assimilation of local culture. Indonesian cultures from the time of animism and dynamism did not disappear completely when Islam came, but were integrated into the new teachings. As a result, Islam was more easily accepted and sustained in Indonesia. Thus, the result of this long history characterizes Islam with the characteristics of the archipelago.
Not only history, the form of the Indonesian state and the Indonesian government system also affect the religious traditions in Indonesia. Indonesia is a democratic country characterized by Asian culture. In Indonesia, freedom of religion and expression is everyone’s right. Meanwhile, tolerance is the root of the nation’s philosophy of life that has been inherited from the ancestors and is part of Pancasila (the constitution). Even though Indonesian people live with different beliefs, harmony is still well established. A child born into a Muslim family may be seen in a monastery during the lunar New Year playing the baroongsai and getting a red hongbao, then he gives a gift to his Christian friend at Christmas, gets an easter egg at other celebrations. Likewise, Eid greetings and Islamic holiday ornaments are not only found in Muslim homes, lontong, ketupat (glutinous rice “Pulut” wrapped in woven coconut leaves and cooked with coconut milk) and THR (holiday allowance: sharing money during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are also done by Christians, Hindus and Buddhists during Eid al-Fitr. It is also not uncommon for Indonesians visiting Bali to do “Meleukat” (spiritual cleansing in the tradition of Balinese Hindus), regardless of religion or belief. There is no problem for Indonesians, as long as it does not undermine the foundation of one’s faith, anything can be done.
Lastly, the climate and social conditions in Indonesia are very favorable for a “Takjil War”. This is because Indonesia is a region that is crossed by the equator, resulting in a tropical climate that only has a regular rainy season and summer. There are no obstacles to outdoor activities such as being too cold in winter or too hot in the desert. Likewise, the time shifts are not too far apart, with night and day balanced at twelve hours. A favorable season with regular time provides its own advantages for the social interaction of the people. Especially during the month of Ramadan.
Democracy in Diversity: Interpreting the Takjil War Phenomena
Just like other social phenomena, Takjil War still has positive and negative impacts. The enthusiasm of non-Muslims who participate in the Takjil hunt causes scarcity of takjil at certain times and places for Muslims. Not a few Muslims run out of takjil because it has been bought first by non-Muslim people, moreover they do not have an obligation to fast. However, with the participation of non-Muslims enlivening Takjil hunting in the market, it is certain that culinary traders get more profit, because they do not sell their merchandise for the fasting Muslim community alone, but they will make extra merchandise that will also be purchased by non-Muslims. Of course, this also requires more energy for food production and is one of the challenges of fasting for Muslim traders because they produce more food while fasting. The response to this “Takjil War” was that some Muslims suggested to the merchants to prioritize Muslims in buying and some even suggested to give a test to the buyers regarding Islamic teachings.
Regardless of how this phenomenon is currently unfolding. Takjil war has a very positive value in the growth of Indonesian democracy. The existing religious diversity becomes one when the common goal is united, namely “Takjil”. This is similar to what our predecessors did when fighting for Indonesia’s independence, differences in race, skin color, religion, and others are united in a common goal, namely independence from invaders. “Takjil War” has a very positive meaning for “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (although different, but still one) and this is one of the ancestral heritages of the Indonesian nation.
What is the next?
In response to the current phenomenon, Muslims in Indonesia have been planning for a counter-attack on the holidays of other religions, as several posts on social media show the tactics that will be carried out by Muslims to welcome the easter celebration which falls on March 31 this year. The current counterplan is to steal as many forced eggs as possible. That means the price of eggs is likely to increase at the end of March this year.