Eid Al-Fitr In China Falls On May 3: The Indonesian Embassy In Beijing Restricts Participants For Eid Prayer Because Omicron Has Not Subsided

The leadership and staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing perform Eid prayers, following the stipulation of 1 Shawwal 1443 H on May 3, 2022 by the Chinese Islamic Association (CIA) in China, Tuesday (3/5/2022). (Antara/M. Irfan Ilmie)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing held Eid prayers in the side yard of Wisma Duta on Tuesday morning with a limited number of worshipers in accordance with strict health protocols amid the new wave of Omicron variant COVID-19.

"The number of worshipers is only about 80 percent," said Indonesian Deputy Ambassador to China Dino R Kusnadi when met by Antara Beijing after the Eid prayer.

Mosques in China have been completely closed since the COVID-19 outbreak began again.

Even in Beijing, especially in the Chaoyang District, several crowds and entertainment venues were completely closed after the discovery of the new Omicron cluster two weeks ago.

Several residential areas in the district most inhabited by foreigners have also been locked down.

In holding the Eid prayer, the Indonesian Embassy has notified the local authorities with the number of participants not exceeding 100 people.

Before Eid was held, every congregation and all leaders and staff of the Indonesian Embassy and their family members had undergone PCR tests four times starting April 25.

Likewise, after the Eid prayer, three PCR tests are required until Thursday (5/5) according to the instructions of the health authorities in the capital city.

"Unlike usual, this year's Lebaran we do not hold a gathering or open house because several areas in Beijing are locked down," said Dino.

After the Eid prayer, the Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun and his wife Sih Elsiwi Oratmangun who were on duty in Indonesia greeted the staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing face-to-face.

"I wish you a Happy Eid Al-Fitr, sorry to be born and inner heart," said the Ambassador.

The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing held the Eid prayer 1443 H on Tuesday morning based on the decision of the Chinese Islamic Association (CIA) that 1 Shawwal 1443 H falls on May 3, 2022 so that this year's Ramadan fast will be 30 days.