MUI Allows Meeting Row Of Congregational Prayers At PPKM Level 1, This Is The Response Of The COVID-19 Task Force

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) allows congregants to close ranks when praying in congregation in areas that apply PPKM Level 1.

Responding to this, Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, said that until now, the regulation of worship activities in places of worship or congregations must follow strict health protocols.

"Until now, the regulation of worship activities in houses of worship or congregations nationally by taking into account the two assessment indicators calls for capacity limitations and the application of health protocols, namely using masks and maintaining distance when worshiping, and washing hands before and after worship," Wiku said at the conference. virtual press, Thursday, September 30.

Based on the PPKM leveling assessment made by the government, 26 districts/cities outside the island of Java-Bali that have entered PPKM Level 1 are Lampung Regency.

Then, since September 25, districts or cities in the Java-Bali region that have entered PPKM Level 1 are Blitar Regency.

"In principle, level 1 in the leveling assessment and the green zone in the zoning system are the best assessment results through the calculation of various indicators, although that doesn't mean we can be negligent with the situation that is classified as safe because Covid-19 is still around us," he said. Wiku.

He continued, going forward, the implementation of regulatory changes, especially detailed guidelines for worship in houses of worship, will be submitted by the Ministry of Religion, which has previously been through cross-ministerial/institutional agreements.

Previously, the Head of the MUI for Da'wah, Cholil Nafis, said that his party had no problem with congregations closing their rows when praying together at the mosque. However, it can be applied to PPKM Level 1 areas.

"Please close the rows but still wear masks and maintain health protocols, especially in level 1 areas. As long as you are in dhikr you can stay apart, keep your distance. Because in the MUI fatwa it has been explained that changes in the way of worship depend on the local COVID-19 situation," Cholil said in his account Twitter cholilnafis.