Gov’t to Reopen Houses of Worship in New Normal Order

Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi delivers press statement after attending a Limited Meeting on Wednesday (27/5).(Photo: Rahmat/PR).

The Government will revitalize the functions of houses of worship in the new normal order, Minister of Religious Affairs Fachrul Razi has said.

“The President has mentioned about the new normal order, thus all sectors should also adapt to it,” the Minister said on Wednesday (27/5).

He went on to say that the plan is to gradually resume activities in the houses of worship while still following strict health protocol.

“However the decision (to reopen) must be recommended by the district head or regent/mayor according to the level of the houses of worship and only applied to places which were already declared safe from COVID-19,” Fachrul said, adding that if the COVID-19 threat is low and the virus transmission rate is low, the Head of District will issue a permit with prior consultation with the Regent.

This permit, according to the Minister, will be revised every month, considering the number of COVID-19 cases in the regions.

“If later the infected cases increase, the permit will be revoked,” Fachrul explained.

He further said that hopefully within this week, the procedures to revitalize the houses of worship will be completed.

The procedures, he continued, requires coordination among all stakeholders, including the lower levels, the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), Ministry of Religious Affairs, and representatives from respective sub-districts and districts. (TGH/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana