'Far from Home': A Filipino-Bruneian Muslim’s Eid journey in Australia

For three years, Filipino-Bruneian Muslim Liyana Kusairi has spent Hari Raya or Eid far from her family. As an international student, she carries with her the longing for the joyful memories of celebrations in Brunei. Despite the distance, her prayers remain steadfast, for peace and goodness for everyone.

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Key Points

• Liyana Kusairi is the daughter of a Bruneian father and a Filipino mother from Daet, Camarines Norte.
• She arrived in Australia in 2023 as an international student after receiving a scholarship from her government.
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri is an important celebration for Muslims following the month of Ramadan. It is a time for prayer, gratitude, and family gatherings. In Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia, it is commonly called ‘Hari Raya’ instead of Eid al-Fitr, as this is the term in the Malay language.

[In photo: Far-left] Filipino-Bruneian Muslim Liyana Kusairi misses her family during Hari Raya, but the support of Bruneian friends in Newcastle, NSW, has made her feel at home while pursuing her studies. Credit: Liyana Kusairi

I miss my family and the warmth of going from house to house during Eid. Here in Australia, with a small Bruneian community, we gather in one place and rely on takeaway food, but it never feels quite like home.

Liyana Kusairi, Filipino-Bruneian Muslim in Newcastle

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