Jokowi Affirms No Prohibition Of Worship Amid The COVID-19 Pandemic

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that there is no prohibition for the public to worship in implementing the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He then asked his subordinates to disseminate information to the public regarding the rules of worship as long as the spread of this virus occurred clearly.

"I really ask that it be explained and given an understanding that the government does not prohibit worship," said Jokowi when opening a limited meeting regarding the preparation for Eid Al-Fitr which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Tuesday, May 19.

According to him, the government has never prohibited its citizens from praying. This is because, through the Ministry of Religion, the government always encourages all religious communities in Indonesia to continue to increase the quantity and quality of its citizens' worship.

Jokowi emphasized that so far the government has only appealed to the public to continue worshiping at home. This appeal, said the former Governor of DKI Jakarta, had also been frequently conveyed since the corona virus spread in Indonesia.

"What we urge, we regulate is privacy which is carried out according to health protocols," he said.

In opening the meeting, President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude to Islamic organizations such as the Nahdatul Ulama Board (PBNU) and PP Muhamaddiyah as well as other mass organizations that have helped the government disseminate steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

He also thanked the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for issuing fatwas and appeals to Muslims in Indonesia regarding the rituals of worship in the midst of a pandemic like today.

"I really respect and appreciate the fatwa and appeal to all Muslims in Indonesia relating to worship and practice during the Covid outbreak," said Jokowi.

In addition, he also acknowledged that the government was helped by the many acts of solidarity and social concern that emerged from Islamic mass organizations and all those who took the initiative to do so.

"We hope that this solidarity action can continue to spread even further so that it becomes a big movement in order to ease the burden on our brothers who are in need," he concluded.