Between Two Worlds: Finding Home in Qatar as an Indonesian Expat

Outside of school, Qatar's routines offered their own kind of comfort. The rhythm of Friday mornings, often marked by family brunches or quiet walks along the Corniche, felt universal, bridging the gap between the familiar and the foreign. Ramadan was especially magical, with iftar gatherings that brought people together regardless of background or belief. National Day celebrations lit up the streets, a vibrant reminder of the unity in diversity that defined life in Qatar.

Qatar taught me that life is more than just the routines of a single culture---it's about the connections we form, the traditions we create, and the shared experiences that become the foundation of who we are. It wasn't just the backdrop of my childhood; it was the heartbeat of it, shaping me into someone who sees the beauty in differences and the strength in community.

Navigating a Hybrid Identity: Embracing Both Cultures

It took me months to realize that it's okay to feel more connected to the place where you grew up, even if it's not the country written on your passport. For the longest time, I have always felt guilty about how much Qatar felt like home. The desert landscapes, the quiet routines of Fridays, the diversity of my schoolmate - all these things shaped me in ways Indonesia never did. But eventually, I learned that connection isn't always tied to heritage, it's about where you feel most yourself.

Accepting this didn't come easily. Growing up between two cultures often felt like walking a tightrope, trying to balance expectations rom both sides. Was I Indonesian enough for my relatives back home? Was I too Indonesian to fully belong in Qatar? Over time, I realized that my identity didn't need to fit neatly into one box. It could be a mix, a patchwork of influences stitched together by my experiences. I didn't have to choose between being Indonesian or being someone shaped by Qatar. I could be both.

One of the most liberating lessons was learning how to celebrate both sides of my identity. In Qatar, I found ways to incorporate Indonesian values into my daily life - whether it was sharing Indonesian food with my friends. Teaching them a few words in Bahasa or practicing the cultural respect that my family has taught me. At the same time, I embraced the international diversity of Qatar, a country that taught me to see the world through a wider lens.

This blend of influences has become a strength rather than a sources of conflict. I've learned that identity isn't about choosing one side over the other; its about embracing the unique combination of cultures, experiences and values that make you who you are. Its okay fo home to feel like more than one place. And it's okay to carry pieces of both with you, wherever you go. 

Conclusion: Home is Where The Heart Is, Even If It's in Between

Looking back, I've learned that my journey between two cultures wasn't about choosing one over the other---it was about embracing both. The disconnect I felt in Indonesia, the teasing from relatives, and the moments of uncertainty have all shaped my understanding of identity. But Qatar, with its diversity and sense of community, showed me that home isn't just a place---it's where I truly belong, where I feel most myself.

By embracing both Indonesian and Qatari influences, I've discovered that my identity is a blend of experiences, values, and memories. I don't need to prove my connection to one culture or the other; instead, I've learned to celebrate the richness in both. My life in Qatar has become as much a part of me as my Indonesian roots. Home doesn't have to be one place---it's wherever I find connection and acceptance.