Semana Santa Pilgrims In Larantuka Must Have Booster Vaccinations

Pilgrims walk while praying behind the Tuan Ma Statue (Bunda Maria) during the Semana Santa procession in Larantuka, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Friday (25/3/2016). ANTARA/Kornelis Kaha

JAKARTA - The committee for the implementation of the Semana Santa tradition in Larantuka, East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara requires that every pilgrim who takes part in the entire series of traditions has a booster vaccine.

Prokrador Konfreria or Chairperson of the Marian Warriors of the Reinha Rosari Cathedral Larantuka Valens Koten said the policy was in accordance with the agreement with the 2023 Semana Santa organizing committee.

"The committee has prepared a number of preparations ahead of carrying out the Semana Santa procession, including preparing a team to examine vaccine documents for pilgrims who come," he said when contacted from Kupang, Antara, Wednesday, March 15.

He added that the mandatory booster vaccination policy for pilgrims is non-negotiable, especially during the "Kiss Tuan" ritual, both at Tuan Ana Chapel and Tuan Ma Chapel.

"This policy also does not only apply to the community or Catholics in the Larantuka Diocese area, but also applies to all pilgrims from various regions in Indonesia," he said.

He explained that the committee had conveyed this to a number of houses or hotels where pilgrims from outside the local area would stay. Later, pilgrims from outside the Larantuka Reinha Rosari Cathedral Parish will receive a different identification from the local faithful.

Homeowners or hotel managers are also asked to inform pilgrims to report in advance to the committee at the Larantuka Cathedral so they can get identification.

He said security, internal inspections, and rows during Semana Santa activities were carried out by confrerias, while external security was carried out by the TNI, Polri, THS-TM Union, assisted by Muslims and other religions.

Semana Santa's traditional activities will reopen in 2023 after being stopped for about three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Semana Santa tradition is part of the Easter Holy Week celebration ritual by Catholics in Larantuka, East Flores Regency, NTT Province.