Many People Visit The Market Ahead Of Eid Al-Fitr, Jokowi: Ensure That There Are Distance Arrangements

President Jokowi (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said he received a report that at this time traditional markets were getting busy with people who wanted to buy necessities ahead of Eid Al-Fitr.

"I see that the traditional markets are starting to get busy because many people shop in preparation for Hari Raya," said Jokowi when opening a limited meeting regarding the preparation for the Eid Al-Fitr which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Tuesday, May 19.

It's just that, in the midst of a pandemic like this, he reminded that health protocols must be carried out including maintaining distance and all those who make transactions in the market must wear masks.

The former governor of DKI Jakarta has asked for field officers to remind the public in the market so that they don't forget health protocols.

Moreover, the key to success in preventing the spread of COVID-19 is implementing health protocols such as physical distancing or keeping a distance away from crowds, using masks when leaving the house, and disciplined hand washing.

"I want this to ensure that there is good spacing, wearing masks. Officers in the field are really working to remind health protocols continuously," he said.

Illustration (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

Previously, people were advised not to visit relatives' homes when celebrating Eid al-Fitr 1441 Hijriah. This activity was carried out to prevent the spread of the corona virus.

"We ask the public not to carry out the event of visiting each other after the Eid prayers as we usually do. Because doing so during the COVID-19 period is clearly a very high risk," said Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Anwar Abbas in a written statement, Friday, May 15th.

In addition, Anwar also asked the public not to shake hands or shake hands as is usually done when congratulating holidays. Moreover, shaking hands is the most effective way of spreading COVID-19 so far.

So as an alternative, he said, gathering and greeting each other could be done with other alternatives such as through short messages, telephone calls, or video calls.

"We urge people and society to put forward efforts to protect and protect themselves so they do not fall into things that endanger health," he said.

"Especially in religion, keeping yourself from falling into disasters and calamities is obligatory while shaking hands is only a sunna," added Anwar.

Eid prayers at home

In connection with the implementation of the Eid Al-Fitr prayers, MUI has also issued a fatwa which contains provisions for prayer at home both in congregation and alone.

Through the MUI Fatwa Number 28 of 2020 concerning Guidelines for Kaifiat Takbir and Eid prayers during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is stated that this prayer is the law of repulsion or highly recommended. This prayer is performed in congregation in the field, mosque, or prayer room.

However, in the midst of a pandemic like now, the MUI fatwa explains that prayers in the field, mosques and prayer rooms can be done if the area is safe from the spread of the corona virus. This is indicated by the decline in transmission rates and supported by the policy of easing activities that allow crowding to occur.

If this does not happen until Eid al-Fitr, people in the area can pray in their homes.

"Eid al-Fitr prayers may be held at home in congregation with family members or alone, especially those in areas where the spread of COVID-19 has not been controlled," MUI said in the fatwa.

Illustration (Pixabay)

Prayers at home or in mosques, for areas that are considered safe, still have to implement health protocols to prevent potential transmission by shortening prayer readings and carrying out sermons.

The minimum number of people who wish to pray in congregation at home is also regulated, namely four people, with details of 1 imam and three congregations. For example, this number is not sufficient, then congregational prayers are still permitted and sermons are not obligatory if no one is able to do them.