Ministry Of Religion Immediately Issues Circular Of Worship In Houses Of Worship Following A Number Of Easing

Director General of Islamic Community Guidance, Ministry of Religion, Kamaruddin Amin. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion will soon issue a Circular regarding the implementation of worship in places of worship in line with the loosening of a number of regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by the government.

"The Minister of Religion's SE regarding the implementation of worship in places of worship will be published soon," said the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion, Kamaruddin Amin when contacted from Jakarta, reported by Antara, Friday, March 11.

The Ministry of Religion has previously issued several circulars that regulate the provisions for implementing activities in places of worship by adjusting to the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several SEs were also issued to regulate the management of worship on the momentum of religious holidays. All issued SEs aim to maintain comfort, safety, and order while performing worship.

However, now the government is starting to relax a number of COVID-19 prevention rules in public facilities, such as removing PCR or antigens for domestic travel and allowing spectators to enter the arena of sports matches.

Along with this policy, the Ministry of Religion will also adjust it to look at the conditions and situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially since the trend of cases is showing a decline. The final rules regarding the provisions for worship in places of worship are contained in SE Number 4 of 2022. However, Kamaruddin asked the congregation to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols such as wearing masks when in places of worship. The reason is, easing the rules does not mean that there is no danger of COVID-19.

"We have to realize that COVID-19 is still around us. We still have to continue to be vigilant and maintain the procedure, masks cannot be removed at all while in houses of worship," said Kamaruddin.

Previously, the MUI stated that the provisions or activities of the prayer room could be closed again after the government decided a number of easing related rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

"The fatwa regarding the permissibility of stretching the rows during prayer is a rukhshah or dispensation because there is an excuse to prevent the spread of the epidemic. By sloping cases and easing social activities, including social distancing rules in public activities, the excuse that is the basis for the dispensation has disappeared," said Chairman of the MUI for Fatwa Asrorun Niam.

Niam explained that this adjustment made recitation activities in mosques and offices able to be carried out again while maintaining discipline in maintaining health.