Ramadan, Anies Advises Mosque Caretakers to Comply with Health Protocols
Reported by Yudha Peta Ogara | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
Once again, millions of Indonesian Muslims will observe Ramadan in a different way this year, especially in Jakarta. Ahead of Ramadan, the Jakarta administration is about to run the Central Government's instruction through the Religion Ministry regarding limiting the number of congregants’ attendance for tarawih night prayers to a maximum of 50 percent of the building capacity.
So, let's take care of safety, we protect our fellows from infection while still being able to perform holy worship in the month of Ramadan
That statement was conveyed by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan when he visited the Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, on Friday (4/9).
The Governor called on all caretakers of mosques in the capital to be discipline in implementing health protocols, especially in prioritizing worship services.
Governor Anies Wants Transjakarta Bus Stops to Have Places of Worship"We recommend it to be used for congregations from the related region, that means
residents who relatively know each other thus we can control if the Covid case is found. This is very useful for prevention," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.
He also explained that the main purpose of it was for control if a potential new case arises during worship thus prompt action could be done. Yet it would become difficult when the associated mosque was open to the public and that was where the potential for transmission becomes higher.
"So, let's take care of safety, we protect our fellows from infection while still being able to perform holy worship in the month of Ramadan. That's why, the use of mosques must be carried out in accordance with health protocols," he added.
He also discussed on tadarus (Quran recital) activities after tarawih night prayers at various mosques. It should be done at home in order to prevent the risk of transmission.
"This is not a prohibition but a suggestion for the positive. We can still do that at home under health protocols. So, do not let us reduce prayers and tadarus. Definitely don't take off the mask and keep your distance from each other," he concluded.
