JAKARTA - The implementation of the Eid al-Adha prayer in 1447 Hijriah at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Wednesday, May 27, carries the theme "Spirit of Sacrifice Caring for Nature and Humanity" which is in line with the Ministry of Religion's main theme regarding eco-ecology and love theology.
Acting as the imam in the prayer was the Rector of the State Islamic University (UIN) Alauddin Makassar Prof. H. Hamdan Juhannis by delivering a sermon entitled "Strengthening the Spirit of Qurban, Caring for Nature and Humanity".
The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also performed the Eid al-Adha prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque with thousands of other Muslims with tight security, but still orderly and conducive.
Apart from Gibran, a number of state officials were also present, including Coordinating Minister for Food and Agriculture Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar, as well as a number of ambassadors representing foreign countries in Indonesia, one of which is the Ambassador of Palestine to Indonesia Abdulfattah A.K. Al-Sattiri.
People who attend prayers at the largest mosque in Southeast Asia are also required to pay attention to order, comfort, and applicable health protocols.
Before entering the main room of the mosque, the public first underwent security checks by joint officers, including from the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres).
Masjid Istiqlal, which is located on Jalan Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, has a maximum capacity of 200,000 to 250,000 people.
However, this year's Eid al-Adha committee estimates that the number of attendees will be around 100,000 to 150,000 people, as is the trend in previous years.
The atmosphere of solemnity and full of tears was also felt by the congregation, one of them was Sofian (60), a resident from Jatinegara, East Jakarta. He expressed his gratitude for being able to worship Eid al-Adha at Istiqlal this year with his two children, who have been traveling in Malaysia.
"In previous years, I usually performed prayers in the neighborhood mosque where I live with my wife," said Sofian when met at the mosque yard.
In order to anticipate the density, the committee divided the access to the Istiqlal Mosque into two provisions.
The general congregation who walked was directed to enter through the Al-Fattah Gate (across from the Jakarta Cathedral Church), As-Salam 1, and As-Salam 2 (across from the Juanda Stop).
Meanwhile, pilgrims with private vehicles are directed to enter through the Al-Aziz and Al-Mukmin Gates (across SMPN 4 Jakarta) to park their vehicles in the basement of the Istiqlal Mosque.
The committee also provides a number of parking bags for worshipers, namely the B1 and B2 basements of the Istiqlal Mosque (600 cars), the Pertamina parking area (400 cars), the Ministry of Religion (150-200 cars), the Banteng Square (200 cars), the Post Office (200 cars), the back of the TNI AD Building (100 cars), and the parking area of the Cathedral Church which is specifically provided to accommodate 200 motorcycles.
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