The term “takjil war” refers to a popular phenomenon in Indonesia during Ramadan.
“War” is borrowed from the English word meaning “war,” while “takjil” comes from the Arabic word meaning “to hasten.” In Indonesia, “takjil” specifically refers to light foods or drinks consumed to break the fast during iftar.
Takjil War in Bali: Locals and Tourists Join the Fun!
In Bali, ramadan market located at Masjid Raya Baiturrahman in Wanasari Village, Denpasar. During first day ramadan 2025, the market was bustling with takjil hunters. Not only did local Muslims participate, but non-Muslim and foreigners also joined in the takjil war.
Around 65 home-small-medium businesses set up their stalls at this annual Javanese Village market, offering a variety of snacks, including fried foods, dim sum, milk satay, and various cold drinks.
On the first day of the holy month, men, women, young, and old gathered to buy takjil and side dishes, moving from one stall to the next. This Ramadan market typically attracts around 500 visitors daily. This year, it will be open until March 26, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM WITA.
Ni Ketut Linda Nataliani (19), a non-Muslim attending the takjil hunt for the first time, was invited by her Muslim friend to visit the Ramadan market.
“This is my first time joining,” Linda said at the Masjid Raya Baiturrahman Takjil Market on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
According to Antaranews, the coordinator of the Masjid Raya Baiturrahman Ramadan Market, Marzuki Fathan, mentioned that the takjil war event has also attracted foreigners in past Ramadans. He encountered around ten foreigners, believed to be from Australia and the Middle East.
The committee has reminded traders not to use artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or preservatives. Additionally, the vendors’ tents have been replaced for the comfort of shoppers.
The blessings of Ramadan extend beyond Muslims, with Hindus also participating in the festivities. One example is Ayu Raka Parwati, who is selling takjil near the Semat Sari Market in Tibubeneng, Badung.
On regular days, Parwati and her family sells donuts and fruit ice. During Ramadan, they have added new items to their menu, including melon ice, avocado ice, green bean ice, kolak (a traditional Indonesian dessert), and takeaway foods.
Foreign Tourists at Takjil Markets
Meanwhile, in Central Jakarta, takjil market in Bendungan Hilir situated in Central Jakarta has become one of the prime spots for hunting takjil every Ramadan. Even a Malaysian citizen joined the crowd to hunt for takjil.
Baby Shima, who had only been in Jakarta for three days, said she came to Bendungan Hilir (popular as Benhil) to experience the Ramadan atmosphere in the city.
“Yes, because the design is a little different, the Ramadan bazaar is livelier, so I wanted to see the vibe and how it felt,” said Baby Shima when met at the Benhil Takjil Market on Saturday, March 1, 2025, as quoted from Detiknews.
Last year, in Surabaya, an interesting occasion occurred with the bustling takjil vendors during Ramadan. This time, it wasn’t about non-Muslims joining in the takjil hunt. Instead, a viral video showed two foreign men helping sell takjil and even serving customers.
In TikTok videos uploaded by @irva_hauq, 2 men, likely foreign tourists visiting Indonesia, were seen helping a takjil seller prepare their goods. They even frying the takjil batter, just like typical street vendors.
“This is the last day for the foreign guys helping sell takjil. They are heading to Bromo, Kawah Ijen, and Bali next,” wrote the caption on March 26, 2024. “For takjil sellers who need help, feel free to comment; maybe the foreign guys can help if the route matches.” added the account owner.
Still in 2024, another foreigner went viral while hunting takjil in Jakarta. A South Korean man named Minchul Kim, who had converted to Islam, shared his experience of breaking his fast at a mosque in Jakarta.
“Anyonghaseo kuy bukber,” he greeted at the beginning of his TikTok video @minchulkim94 uploaded on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He mentioned that some TikTok followers had told him he could get takjil at a mosque for free, which surprised him.
Kim then confirmed this by visiting Al-Azhar Mosque in South Jakarta. Once he arrived there, Kim, who speaks Indonesian quite well, asked a person where he could find takjil. Not long after, Kim showed a box of snacks given by the mosque committee. He opened it out of curiosity and showed each item inside.
It contained mineral water and several traditional Indonesian cakes. Not knowing the names of the cakes in the box, he asked his friend, who identified them as bika ambon, lapis cake, and pastel cake.
When the call to prayer (adhan) was heard, Kim first drank the provided mineral water and then eagerly enjoyed the bika ambon, lapis cake, and pastel. He seemed to enjoy the meal, and when his friend asked, Kim mentioned that it tasted great.
“Yes, I was given takjil, and it was so delicious. It was my first time breaking fast with hundreds of people there,” Kim said. The content received various comments, with some netizens expressing surprise that a Korean man was actually hunting takjil at the mosque.
Sources: Kumparan, Antaranews, Detik.com, Liputan6.com
Image: via AntaraNews//Ni Putu Putri Muliantari