Volume IV: Society, Culture, and Local Ecological Wisdom

Crossing Two Traditions: Ramadan Experiences and Transnational Identity Formation of Egyptian Bipa Students

  • Taufan Januardi UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung, Indonesia

Keywords

Acculturation; BIPA Learners; Cultural Transference; Egyptian Students; Ramadan in Indonesia.

Abstract

This study explores the religious and sociocultural experiences of Egyptian foreign learners (BIPA students) during Ramadan in Indonesia. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary framework that integrates the sociology of religion, intercultural communicative competence, and acculturation theories, this research examines how these learners navigate the intersections of a shared faith and local culture. A qualitative descriptive approach with a phenomenological lens was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted between December 2022 and August 2023 with eight Egyptian students funded by the KNB and Darmasiswa scholarships across various Indonesian universities. The findings demonstrate that despite facing minor initial sociocultural shocks regarding local dietary habits and distinct logistical dynamics, the informants actively adapted to unique Indonesian Ramadan traditions. These include participating in “ngabuburit” (the communal wait for iftar), engaging in communal fast-breaking at local mosques, and adjusting to local Tarawih prayer variations. Furthermore, a significant phenomenon of bidirectional cultural transference occurred; the learners deeply internalized Indonesian religious material culture, adopting local garments such as the “baju koko”, “sarung”, and “mukena”. Remarkably, these behavioral and material adaptations persisted even after they returned to Egypt, where they continued to practice active socialization and utilize Indonesian prayer attire. The study concludes that the intersection of shared Islamic identity and Indonesian hospitality facilitates deep, transformative acculturation, fostering a lasting transnational connection that establishes Indonesia as a “second home” for foreign learners.

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