Good News From President Jokowi: Muslims Can Return To Congregational Tarawih Prayers At The Mosque

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) announced that Muslims can perform Tarawih prayers at mosques during the month of Ramadan this year.

This was conveyed by Jokowi through a video that was shown on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube today, Wednesday, March 23.

"This year, Muslims will be able to return to performing Taraweeh prayers in congregation at the mosque while still implementing health protocols", Jokowi said in a statement.

He said this policy was taken after the spread of COVID-19 cases in the country had improved. So, Jokowi said, the government has made several easing measures, including during the month of Ramadan.

"The improving pandemic situation also brings optimism ahead of the holy month of Ramadan", he stressed.

In addition to tarawih prayers, people are also allowed to go home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. However, Jokowi reminded, those who will return to their hometowns are required to receive a complete COVID-19 vaccine.

"People who want to go home for Eid are also welcome, provided that they have received two vaccines and one booster and continue to apply the permanent health protocols", said the former governor of DKI Jakarta.

Previously reported, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendi, said the government had not discussed the rules for going home for Eid this year.

But, Muhadjir said, people who are going home must receive two doses of COVID-19 vaccine and a third or booster dose of vaccine.

This policy was taken because the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to improve. "What is clear is that the priority is those who have been vaccinated twice, complete vaccines and boosters", said the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, quoted from his written statement.