Increasing Cases Of COVID-19, Minister Of Religion Asked For Health Protocol At Houses Of Worship To Be Tightened

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Quomas alias Gus Yaqut (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, ordered his staff to tighten monitoring of health protocols in worship places. This instruction is outlined in letter Number B-192/MA/HM.00/05/2021 which was signed on Monday, May 3.

"It is addressed to the Heads of Provincial Offices of the Ministry of Religion and Heads of Regency/City Ministry of Religion Offices throughout Indonesia", said Yaqut in a written statement uploaded on the Ministry of Religion website, Monday, April 3.

This tightening of surveillance, he said, was needed in line with the increasing spread of COVID-19 in the past month. In addition, several violations were found against the Circular of the Minister of Religion Number 4 of 2021 concerning Guidelines for Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr 1442 H in several places.

Furthermore, Yaqut also emphasized three things to his subordinates in this effort. First, Heads of Regional Ministry of Religion Offices and Heads of Regency or City Ministry of Religion Offices to supervise.

In addition, it is also encouraged to carry out maximum field monitoring. This is done by involving religious extension workers and the sub-district religious affairs office (KUA) on the implementation of the Circular of the Minister of Religion.

Second, Heads of Regional Offices and Heads of the Ministry of Regional Offices must always coordinate with related parties. Especially for the regional level COVID-19 Handling Task Force.

"As well as protecting residents from the potential spread of COVID 19 in community activities in the month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr 1442 H", he said.

Finally, the Heads of the Provincial Ministry of Religion Regional Offices are asked to report to the Minister of Religion regarding the evaluation of the implementation of Circular No. 4 of 2021. These three things must be obeyed by the related parties.