Euphoria For Eid Prayers At The Istiqlal Mosque, Residents Came Even Since 4 AM

JAKARTA - After two years of absence, the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta again held Eid prayers 1443 Hijri. And this is how the joy of the residents who are finally able to feel the atmosphere in the mosque again.

Since 04.00 WIB, the congregation began to arrive at the mosque, the pride of the Indonesian people. In fact, as of 06.00 WIB, the vehicle parking area had almost reached the Pasar Baru Posblock area.

Before being able to enter the main area of the mosque, the line of worshipers was snaking because they had to pass an inspection by the Paspampres. The reason is, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin will hold Eid prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque.

"Yes, that's right (the Vice President held the Eid Prayer, ed.) at Istiqlal," said spokesman for the Istiqlal Mosque, Abu Hurairah in Jakarta, Monday, May 1.

A number of internal officers were alerted around the area outside the mosque to regulate the flow of pilgrims arriving. They always remind people to keep wearing masks while in the mosque area.

For residents, being able to hold Eid prayers again at the Istiqlal Mosque seems to be a release from longing. Moreover, in the last two years the Istiqlal administrator has canceled the Eid prayer due to the high transmission of COVID-19.

"My longing for the Istiqlal Mosque has now been paid off. Thank God I can now pray Eid," said Arif Gunawan, a resident of Cikini, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, May 2.