Congregational Tarawih and Eid Prayers Allowed With Strict Health Protocols: Minister

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin delivering press statement following a meeting led by President Jokowi in Jakarta, Monday (05/04) afternoon. (Photo: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Rahmat)

The Government has announced it will allow this year’s congregational Tarawih (evening Ramadan prayer) and Eid prayers but with strict health protocols.

The announcement was made by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy during his press statement after attending a meeting led by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, Monday (05/04) afternoon in the Presidential Office in Jakarta.

“Regarding religious activities in Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, namely Tarawih and Eid prayers, they are allowed, but the public must observe health protocols. They must observe it strictly,” he said, while urging that the congregational prayers be carried out in a limited community scope, meaning that the congregation must know one another.

“So, (it is allowed) in a community scope, which means the congregation knows each other, so congregation outside their community should not be allowed (to join the prayers),” he said, adding that the congregational prayers should be carried out as simple as possible and not take too long, considering the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over.

Muhadjir also reminded the public to avoid crowds, especially during Eid prayer.

“To avoid crowds, (do pay attention to) the number of people, especially when you are going to the place of prayers, be it on a field or at a mosque, and when the congregational prayer is over, so crowds that are too big can be avoided and everything can run safely,” he remarked. (DND/UN) (DH/EP)