Garibaldi Thohir: Hijriah Food Festival Strengthens Indonesia-China Relations

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DEPOK -- Chairman of Kadin Indonesia Chinese Committee (KIKT) Garibaldi Thohir expressed, Hijri Food Festival 2025 as a special and meaningful moment. In addition to being part of the commemoration of the Islamic New Year 1 Muharam 1447, the festival also serves as a bridge that strengthens the relationship between Indonesia and China.

“My approach is how to strengthen the relationship between these two countries, not only through business cooperation, but also through culture and food,” Garibaldi said during a speech at the closing event of the Hijri Food Festival at Masjid At-Thohir, Depok, Sunday (29/6/2025) evening.

The festival, initiated by Republika and KIKT, was also attended by a number of representatives of China Chamber of Commerce. They also opened a Chinese food and drink stand. This participation, according to Garibaldi, is part of an effort to introduce Chinese culinary culture to Indonesians, especially those around mosques.

Garibaldi hopes events like this can be a means to broaden people's insights into cultural diversity, including those of the Muslim community in China. Today, the number of Muslims in China is about 40 million, larger than the Muslim community in Malaysia.

It also believes that strong intercommunity relations will be an important foundation in strengthening international cooperation.

“If the saying goes 'don't know then don't love'. So by getting to know each other closer, God willing, there will be a growing sense of mutual respect and love,” he said.

The At-Thohir Mosque also has a personal significance for the Thohir family. Garibaldi said that the At-Thohir Mosque was built as a form of dedication to his late father, Mochamad (Teddy) Thohir.

“This mosque is an offering from me, my sister Rika, and Erick to the deceased. We admire him very much, and without him there would be no us,” Garibaldi said.

Hijri Food-Festival 2025 carries the concept of family-friendly, religious, and culture-laden entertainment. The first series took place at Masjid At-Thohir, Depok, on 27-29 June 2025, and will continue in Bandung City.

Raising a cross-cultural culinary theme, the festival presents halal food from Indonesia, the Middle East, and China.

A total of 40 tenants will participate, including MSMEs and well-known brands that are already known to the public. All dishes are offered at affordable prices, making the festival friendly for all walks of life.

In addition to culinary, Hijri Food Festival 2025 will also be enlivened with art and cultural events, tausiyah from famous ustadz and ustadzah, as well as educational activities for children such as coloring and calligraphy making.

Visitors are also spoiled by the beauty of the lighting show. As the highlight of the event, a spectacular fireworks party was held.