New Regulations From The Ministry Of Religion Regarding The Implementation Of Christmas Along With The Cancellation Of Level 3 PPKM

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion issued Circular Number 33/2021 regarding the prevention and control of COVID-19 during the Christmas and New Year's worship, as a renewal of SE 31/2021 in line with the annulment of the Level 3 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) policy

"This circular is intended to regulate efforts to prevent and control COVID-19 in churches/places that function as churches for the 2021 Christmas celebrations," said Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in a written statement received in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Monday, December 14.

Despite an update from the previous SE 31/2021 When published, the Ministry of Religion did not make too many revisions to the guidelines for the implementation of Christmas worship.

The latest SE regulates the capacity for churches or places of worship to be 50 percent of the total capacity, while in SE 31/2021 the number of congregations is limited to 50 percent with a maximum of 50 people.

In addition, in the latest SE there is an additional operating hours for churches/places of worship up to 22.00 WIB. Meanwhile, in the old SE, the operating hours of churches/places of worship were not regulated.

While the other rules listed in the SE have not changed. Congregants still have to use the PeduliLindungi application when entering and leaving the church and only those categorized as yellow and green are allowed to enter.

Then regulate the flow of congregational mobility and church entrances and exits to facilitate the implementation and supervision of health protocols. The Church is obliged to form a Health Protocol Task Force (Satgas) for handling COVID-19 in coordination with the Regional Task Force.

The implementation of worship and Christmas celebrations should be carried out in a simple and not excessive manner, and emphasize more on fellowship among families.

The Ministry of Religion recommends that celebrations be held Christmas is held in the open air. If it is carried out in a church, it will be held in a hybrid way, namely in the congregation/collectively in the church and online with the worship service that has been prepared by church administrators and administrators.

On the other hand, church administrators and administrators are obligated to provide officers to inform and supervise the implementation of Prokes, provide temperature checking devices at the entrance for all church users, and carry out body temperature checks for each congregation using body temperature measuring devices.

Managers/administrators must also provide hand sanitizers and facilities for washing hands using soap with running water at the entrance and exit of the church, carry out regular cleaning and disinfection in the church area.

The circular also contains the implementation of sermons that must comply with the provisions that pastors, priests, or clergy are required to wear masks and face shields properly and correctly and remind the congregation to always maintain health and comply with health protocols.

"It is forbidden to conduct parades or processions in the context of Christmas celebrations involving a large number of participants," said the Minister of Religion.