Communal iftar (breaking the Ramadhan fast at dusk) have become an annual tradition and a chance for reunions of families and friends, however, the idea of an iftar between strangers that only share the same name is surely a novel concept.

In perhaps the first event of its kind, Kedai 54 cafe in Kemang, South Jakarta, is holding just such an event, inviting every person who shares the common Javanese male name Bambang to an iftar called “Bukber Para Bambang” (the Bambangs’ Iftar) on Wednesday.

The invitation, initiated by Bambang Mukti Nugroho, 46, the owner of Kedai 54, has recently gone viral.

Bambang said the plan of gathering with other Bambangs started from a Facebook group he created called “Namaku Bambang” (My name is Bambang) in 2008.

“Many people named Bambang have been interested in joining the group but I made it a closed group to avoid random people joining. There are about 300 members in the group,” Bambang told kompas.com.

Through casual conversation in the group, the idea for making a gathering for people named Bambang appeared.

The iftar was planned to be free of charge.

“I would only laugh if the number of people turns out to be more than our prediction. This means I would need to request a police permit to hold the event. But I’m not worried,” he said.

The takjil (breaking-of-the-fast snacks) provided at the event would be simple and limited, he said, however more meals would be ordered if many more people came later. “The [most important] point is getting together,” he said. (dra)