It Turns Out That For This The Minister Of Religion Published Rules For Using Mosque Loudspeakers

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (Photo via Ministry of Religion)

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas continues to explain his intention to issue Circular Letter (SE) Number 5 of 2022 regarding the regulation regarding the use of loudspeakers in mosques. He said for the sake of more harmonious inter-religious relations.

Yaqut Cholil, during a visit to Pekanbaru, Wednesday, admitted that he did not prohibit Muslim houses of worship from using toa or loudspeakers.

Previously, the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 5 of 2022 regarding guidelines for using loudspeakers in mosques and prayer rooms. In this surah regulates the use of time and power from loudspeakers in mosques and prayer rooms.

"This circular was issued with the aim that no other religious community would be disturbed. We know that it is the symbol of Islam, please use a toa, but of course it must be regulated. It is regulated how the volume should not be loud, a maximum of 100 decibels," he said, Wednesday, February 23. quoted from Antara. In addition, Yaqut also said that regulations are needed to regulate the time the loudspeakers can be used, either after or before the call to prayer is sounded.

"How to use speakers inside or outside the mosque is also regulated. There is no prohibition. This rule was made solely to make our society more harmonious," he said.

For him, this guideline also aims to increase benefits and reduce things that are not useful, because in Muslim-majority areas in Indonesia, almost every 100-200 meters there is a mosque or prayer room.

"Let's imagine, I'm Muslim, I live in a non-Muslim environment, then their house of worship rings the prayer loudly five times a day simultaneously, how does that feel?" he said.

"Another example, for example, is that our neighbors, both front and back, keep all dogs, for example, barking at the same time, are we disturbed? This means that we must regulate all sounds so they don't become a nuisance," he said.

Yaqut emphasized that loudspeakers in mosques/musalas can be used, but they are arranged so that no one feels disturbed. And so that the intention to use loudspeakers as a means of broadcasting and properly implemented, without having to disturb other religious people.

"We must respect those who are different from us. There is also a lot of support for this," he said.