Istiqlal Mosque Holds Friday Prayers, The Condition Is To Show Vaccine Cards

JAKARTA - The Istiqlal Mosque has started to hold Friday prayers for the public with a maximum congregational capacity of 25 percent. Along with the implementation of Community Activity Restrictions or PPKM Level 2-4 in Java-Bali, it was extended for 17-23 August 2021.

"So God willing, Istiqlal has been opened to the public, because it's Friday, so we are holding Friday prayers. It's still limited to around 25 percent of the main floor capacity," said Deputy Chairperson of the Istiqlal Mosque Worship Organizer, Abu Hurairah, Wednesday, August 18.

Even so, there are some conditions for pilgrims who want to participate in performing Friday prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque. Namely, the congregation is required to show a vaccine certificate which can be downloaded via the Pedulilindungi application or show a printed vaccine card.

"Especially what we will ask the pilgrims who will enter to show the vaccine certificate, right, it can already be in the Pedulilindungi application, it will be opened there, is it true or not with their ID card. If not, usually people who like to travel print the card , just show it," explained Abu.

Abu added that the congregation that is prioritized is the one who has two vaccine certificates. However, even those who have only been vaccinated once are allowed to enter.

"So even though the health protocol is strict, we can understand the condition of the congregation who wants to pray," he said.

Meanwhile, pilgrims who have entered the mosque are advised to always comply with the health protocols that have been implemented. For example, not removing the mask, not shaking hands and leaving the mosque immediately if the worship service has been completed.

"This is open for worship services, the tourist service has not yet been opened, we are waiting for further directions. Tourist attractions have not been opened, such as Monas, the museums haven't yet. Well, Istiqlal is for this Friday which is only open for worship," added Abu .

It is known that the implementation of Community Activity Restrictions or PPKM Level 2-4 in Java-Bali has been extended for 17-23 August 2021.

As long as the policy is in effect, places of worship at levels 3 and 4 are allowed to open with a maximum capacity of 50 percent or 50 people.

"Places of worship (mosques, prayer rooms, churches, temples, monasteries, and temples as well as other places that function as places of worship), with a maximum of 50 percent of the capacity or 50 (fifty) people," reads the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs (Inmendagri) Number 34 of 2021.

As stated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the implementation of worship activities is also required to strictly implement health protocols and pay attention to technical rules from the Ministry of Religion.

Meanwhile, in the PPKM level 2 area, mosques, prayer rooms, churches, temples, monasteries, and pagodas as well as other places that function as places of worship are allowed to hold congregational worship/religious activities with a maximum capacity of 75 percent or 75 people.

"By implementing more stringent health protocols and paying attention to technical provisions from the Ministry of Religion," the Ministry of Home Affairs said.