It is now the holy month of Ramadhan in my country, a significant month for most Muslims in Indonesia and around the world. This month is a time to surrender to God’s will, accept and forgive those who wronged us, and seek forgiveness from those who wronged us. It is the time to return to our essence and authentic Self.

Muslims observe this month with different regimes—prayers, early sleep, early eating, breaking fast with family, and a heightened sense of self-control. Unlike other months, people can not wait to get home before the sun sets, break their fast and pray together – either in the mosque or at home. Food and drink are separate from the usual, and the highlight of their whole month of fasting is Eid, which is a celebration of food like no other.

What is most amazing is that non-Muslims, also adapt to this month. Some participate in fasting and hold themselves back when eating in public. At the very least, they are very respectful towards other Muslim sisters and brothers. This act underlines thoughtfulness towards others – a value that is hard to find today.

But this does not surprise me. As a child, I was taught tolerance and unity in diversity in schools. These values taught me and every child in Indonesia to be compassionate. Not only that, it united us in dire times many times before. Indonesia has over two hundred million inhabitants, many islands, and rich natural resources. We may not be a developed country yet, but our sense of unity – this red ribbon, binds us from one end of the continent to another and makes us better humans.

Yesterday’s podcast filled me with laughter and reminded me of the wonderful country I was born into. I realised that the red ribbon is still alive, even today. When the world seems divided, it is comforting to know that some of us still hold on to the values of tolerance and unity—values that one day will make a difference in the world. Without it, what would the world be?