Deputy MUI Calls God Wrath, Mosques Closed During Emergency PPKM, Ferdinand: Hospital Is Full, Why Don't You Understand?

JAKARTA - Former Democratic Party politician, Ferdinand Hutahaean, responded to a statement issued by the Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Anwar Abbas.

Anwar Abbas criticized the implementation of the mosque closing policy during the Emergency PPKM. How is it possible that offices in Jakarta that are included in the red zone can be attended by 25 percent of the total number of employees while places of worship must be closed?

"So if the office is not closed, the mosque should also not be closed. If the office is closed, it will cause problems and if the mosque is closed, the nation can be scolded by God", he said as quoted by Tribunews, Thursday, July 1.

According to Ferdinand, Anwar Abbas should have a better understanding of the basis of this policy being implemented. Many health workers and hospitals have difficulty accommodating the number of COVID-19 patients.

"Mr. MUI, everyday victims die, hospitals are full, health workers are tired. Why can't you understand a little that religion is not only about places of worship? Religion is also about lightening the burden of other people, making efforts for life", Ferdinand quipped through his account Twitter @FerdinandHaean3, Thursday evening.

Ferdinand added the condition of COVID-19 in Indonesia cannot be taken lightly, especially in Java, Jakarta, and Bali. He asked the entire community to discipline health protocols.

"Friends, this Covid-19 condition is getting more and more worrying, especially in Jakarta, Java, and Bali. Every day sad news comes from friends. Please all of us be disciplined, avoid good crowds anywhere including houses of worship. We are doing our best so that covid is under control", he explained.

Back to Anwar Abbas, every mosque administrator in the red zone can initiate a policy to comply with health protocols for the congregation who come. For example, the use of layered masks, restrictions, and reducing the capacity of mosques to 25 percent.

"So it's not by closing the mosque so that the mosque remains lively, so if we close the mosque, I think God's wrath will hit us", he said.