Covid-19 Pandemic, Istiqlal Mosque Does Not Hold Eid Prayer

Istiqlal Mosque (DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Istiqlal Mosque will not hold the implementation of Eid prayers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the second time the mosque has not held worship activities, as in previous years.

"Last info, this year (mosque, red) Istiqlal does not perform Eid prayers," Head of Public Relations and Protocol of Istiqlal Abu Hurairah Mosque told reporters, Tuesday, May 11.

He said that in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, the absence of Eid prayers was also due to the direction of the central and local governments.

"Still COVID-19, complying with the directives of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Governor of DKI," he said.

Known, Istiqlal Mosque originally planned to hold Eid prayers in congregation this year. In addition, takbiran night activities will also be held there.

The plan is that this worship activity will be held with a limited number of worshipers and still comply with health protocols.

For information, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) allows Muslims to hold prayers eid al-Fitr on Eid al-Fitr 1442 Hijri. This is one of the points in 'Guidance on The Implementation of Eid al-Fitr 1442 Hijri prayer in Pandemic Situations.'

One of the points is to arrange for Eid prayers in mosques and open fields by coordinating with the local COVID-19 Handling Task Force.

"The Committee for Islamic Holidays/Eid Prayer Committee before holding Eid prayer in mosques and open fields must coordinate with the local government, the Task Force on Handling COVID-19, and local security elements," reads the guide letter issued on Thursday, May 6.

"To know the zoning status information and prepare supervisors so that the COVID-19 health protocol standards are run properly, safely and controlled," the statement continued.

In the letter numbered No. SE 07 of 2021 in Jakarta, the implementation of Eid prayer can be done in mosques and open fields with the record of the area included in the green and yellow zone of COVID-19.

As for those who live in the red and orange zones to be done in their homes, in line with the fatwa of the Indonesian Ulema Council and other Islamic organizations.

In addition, the implementation of Salat Id in the field / mosque must meet a number of standards of covid-19 transmission prevention protocols, such as worshipers must not exceed 50 percent of the room capacity, must be distanced, there is a body temperature check.

Then for the elderly (elderly) or people in unsanitary condition, newly recovered from illness or from travel, it is advisable not to attend Eid prayers in mosques and squares