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London, United Kingdom, 9 April 2025 – For the first time in history, the Lord Mayor of London hosted an Eid al-Fitr Reception at Guildhall, the heart of the City of London’s historic governance. Held by Lord Mayor Alderman Alastair King DL and Lady Mayoress Florence King, the event was not only a celebration of a major Muslim holiday but also a symbol of growing ties between the UK and the global Muslim community — including Indonesia.
Around 300 distinguished guests from various sectors attended the event, including the Ambassador of Indonesia to the UK, Ireland, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), H.E. Desra Percaya. A historic moment unfolded as Maghrib prayer was held at the Old Library in Guildhall, marking the first-ever public Muslim prayer performed in the landmark building.
In his welcome speech, Lord Mayor Alderman Alastair King DL remarked, “London’s strength lies in its diversity. The more we collaborate across communities and cultures, the greater our potential to lead globally.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the city’s first Muslim mayor, also expressed his appreciation, saying, “Muslim business owners, professionals, and creatives are an essential part of London’s success. This community has deep roots going back over 500 years and continues to shape London as the global city it is today.”
Indonesia was featured prominently during the evening’s program. Ambassador Desra Percaya delivered a heartfelt saxophone rendition of Imagine by John Lennon, capturing the room with its message of peace and unity. This was followed by a traditional Sundanese dance performance, Hayu Batur, presented by the acclaimed dance group Lila Bhawa — showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia to an international audience.
“This Eid celebration was warm and inclusive. It reflected London’s diversity and the spirit of mutual respect,” said H.E. Desra Percaya. “The Muslim community plays an important role in strengthening economic collaboration and contributing to the UK’s development.”
That contribution is substantial — Ramadan alone is estimated to generate between £800 million and £1.3 billion annually for the UK economy, according to a report by the think tank Equi.
Indonesia’s participation was supported by Equatorise, an international consultancy based in London and Jakarta. As the Indonesian sponsor, Equatorise’s presence highlighted the private sector’s role in fostering long-term bilateral ties.
“This event provided a valuable moment to strengthen connections between the UK, the EU, and ASEAN — including Indonesia,” said Steven Marcelino, CEO and Managing Partner of Equatorise. “It aligns with our ongoing commitment to driving cross-sector collaboration. As opportunities for public representation evolve, we believe the private sector has a role in helping ensure Indonesia stays connected globally”
Beyond cultural performances, the evening also featured an art auction by Sotheby’s, live music by Senegalese artist Kadialy Kouyate, and festive Eid delicacies. Traditional honour guards, trumpeters, and bagpipers added to the solemn yet grand atmosphere.
To close the night, guests enjoyed desserts while supporting a fundraising initiative by The Lord Mayor’s Appeal — a social campaign aimed at creating a more inclusive, skilled, healthy, and fair city. The Appeal currently supports charities including Homewards and MQ Mental Health Research, which focus on ending homelessness and advancing mental health research, respectively.
The event served as a symbol of cross-cultural solidarity and a meaningful step in deepening UK–Indonesia relations, especially as it followed the warm spirit of Ramadan.
