Still Closed, No Friday Prayers At Istiqlal Mosque

JAKARTA - Although the houses of worship in DKI Jakarta were reopened to the public on Friday, June 5, the Istiqlal Mosque management decided that they would not open and carry out worship activities as usual.

Head of the Istiqlal Mosque Protocol Section Abu Hurairah emphasized that the mosque would not be open for worship, including Friday prayers, on June 5.

"Istiqlal has not opened yet," Abu told reporters on Thursday, June 4.

There are several reasons why the Istiqlal Mosque has not been open to the public. First, because there has been no instruction from the high priest of the mosque. Second, because the mosque is still under renovation.

"We are currently focused on completing the renovation project which has entered the final stage. It is scheduled that it will be completed in early July," he said.

In addition, another reason is that to open this mosque, of course, requires serious preparation. This is intended so that people avoid the spread of COVID-19.

"Preparation must be really serious because it avoids not fitting it open to the public, causing new problems. Because the average Istiqlal visitor per day can be 5,000 people," he said.

Previously, Anies extended the PSBB period in Jakarta starting tomorrow, the 5th until an undetermined time. However, this phase four PSBB is a transitional phase.

During June, Jakarta still implemented restrictions by implementing the COVID-19 prevention protocol, but with the previous easing of the PSBB. The goal is that people can do activities to fulfill their daily needs.

In detail, the activities that have been reopened from the social and cultural sectors are outdoor sports facilities, museums, galleries, libraries, parks, RPTRA, and beaches. Then, offices and houses of worship also reopened.

In addition, the types of business premises will be opened gradually starting on June 8. On Monday, June 8, the places of business that may be opened are restaurants (independent), industry, warehousing, shops, workshops, services, photocopying, and other supporting services. Meanwhile, on Saturday, June 13, MSMEs under the guidance of the DKI Provincial Government may be opened.

Then, on June 15, Anies only allowed the opening of mall markets and shopping centers other than those providing food. All these places are allowed to only accommodate 50 percent of the total existing capacity. On June 20, the theme park and zoo will open.

All places that are reopened must comply with regulations by reducing capacity by 50 percent, and implementing COVID-19 prevention protocols.

However, there are activities that cannot be opened yet. This activity will only be opened during the phase two transition period, after the DKI Provincial Government has reviewed the PSBB during the first phase of the transition.

These activities are religious activities with mass gathering, schools, gyms, swimming pools, night markets, folk festivals, beauty clinics, salons, conference halls, wedding and circumcision receptions, cinemas, night entertainment, and the like.