Tradition Of Ruwah Graves In Bangka Belitung Islands, Deputy Governor Reminds Discipline Of Health Protocols

BABEL - Deputy Governor of the Bangka Belitung Islands (Babel) Abdul Fatah did not prohibit the tradition of Ruwah graves (the procession of prayer together in a public cemetery in the Javanese) welcoming the month of Ramadan 1443 Hijri. However, he appealed to the public to continue to obey the health protocols.

"Although the COVID-19 case has slowed down again, the community must remain disciplined in carrying out the health protocols", said Abdul Fatah while attending the Ruwah grave tradition at the Jami' Tempilang Mosque, Wednesday, March 30.

He said that in the implementation of the Ruwah grave tradition to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, it was held in mosques and this prayer room certainly brought many people to pray and eat together.

"I see that people in Tempilang have carried out health procedures by wearing masks, keeping their distance in carrying out this Ruwah grave", he said, as reported by Antara.

However, he said, there were still people who did not wear masks when carrying out the funeral rituals.

"I have reprimanded residents who do not comply with the health procedures. Do not let the Ruwah graves trigger another spike in COVID-19 cases, due to the indiscipline of residents in carrying out the health procedures", he said.

He hoped that all mosque administrators who held the Ruwah grave tradition to implement strict procedures so that there would not be a spike in cases before and during the fasting month of Ramadan this year.

"This community tradition is very good to pray for ancestors, parents, relatives who have died and can also increase friendship, community cooperation in overcoming various problems, including COVID-19", he said.