Durian. Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD has asked Indonesians to follow health and safety protocol for the upcoming Idul Adha, one of the biggest national religious holiday in the country celebrating by Muslims, while the country continues to deal with Covid-19 pandemic.
After a meeting with related ministries to discuss security preparation on the big day that will be celebrated on July 30, Mahfud MD said the government allowed religious rituals, including congregational prayer, to be held that day, as long as they comply with health protocol.
“We encourage Indonesians to celebrate the day piously, but health protocol regulated by the government must be kept intact. Congregational prayer and qurban [sacrificial livestock animal slaughter] are allowed in worship places, fields or mosques by retaining health protocol,” Mahfud said on July 13.
In addition, he also encouraged the rituals to be held in and attended by people from the same limited scope, such as residential complex, village or school. That way, contact tracing can be conducted more easily if a transmission happens.
“If possible, it should be done in limited space with limited number of attendees who know each other. Therefore, when something happens, we can find out the source immediately,” Mahfud said.
The Religious Ministry has previously issued a circular on health protocol that must be conducted in congregational prayer and qurban on Idul Adha. It details rules that must be followed by committee members and attendees without violating any religious rules.
