Approaching Ramadan, The Banda Aceh City Government Asked The Community To Discipline In Appling Health Protocols During Prayer Times

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) of Banda Aceh City issued a disciplinary call for the application of health protocols (prokes) when worshiping during Ramadan 1442 Hijriah including when carrying out Tarawih prayers.

"We ask the Mosque Prosperity Agency (BKM) to ensure clean worship facilities, direct the community to wear masks. Then arrange the procedure for wudhu according to the health protocols", said Banda Aceh Mayor Aminullah Usman as quoted from Antara, Friday, April 2.

Aminullah said, in a joint meeting with Forkopimda that they also discussed the procedures for worship during Ramadhan. Mosques and prayer rooms are asked to ensure the progress of the program so that the community feels safe and comfortable in carrying out their prayers considering that currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has not subsided.

Aminullah said that the points in the joint appeal must go as desired. The sub-district heads throughout Banda Aceh were asked to aggressively disseminate information to the community in their areas.

"If the points are finalized, this joint call must be well socialized. If necessary, we can post it in mosques and other public facilities so that it can be conveyed to the public properly", he said.

Aminullah said that some points were being made, namely maintaining cleanliness, always washing hands with soap, maintaining distance in outdoor activities, and always wearing a mask. Whereas for residents who have infectious diseases, it is prohibited to pray in mosques or prayer rooms.

Then, prevent people who are indicated to be unhealthy or have an infectious disease from participating in congregational worship.

Furthermore, entrepreneurs in restaurants, cafes, malls/supermarkets, hotels, and entertainment venues are prohibited from selling food and drinks to the public from dawn until 16.30 p.m. local time.

"We also ask that all types of businesses and services be closed from the Isha prayer to the end of the tarawih prayer, it can be reopened specifically during the month of Ramadan from 21.30 p.m to 00.00 a.m. local time", said Aminullah.

In addition, continued Aminullah, Forkopimda also prohibits karaoke activities, operating billiard games, PlayStations, various types of online games, and other entertainment during the Holy month of Ramadan. All hotels, guesthouses, and inns are prohibited from providing food and drinks to guests who stay overnight from the time of the ruling until the time of iftar (breaking the fast).

"For merchants, it is prohibited to use loudspeakers because it can disturb the peace and uneasiness of worship", said the former Director of Bank Aceh.