Minister of Religious Affairs Reports Preparations ahead of Eid al-Fitr
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar gives statement to the press after a meeting with President Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (03/04).
Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar presented a report to President Prabowo Subianto on the preparations ahead of Eid al-Fitr, including the takbiran (Eid eve celebrations, often accompanied with chanting the phrase Allahu Akbar) arrangement as it falls around the Nyepi (Balinese Hindu day of silence) celebrations in Bali.
In his statement to the press after meeting President Prabowo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (03/04), the Minister stated that the Government has anticipated the possible dynamics that may arise due to the close timing of both celebrations. According to him, close coordination between Bali regional government and prominent community figures has been carried out to maintain interreligious harmony.
“I also reported the preparations ahead of the Eid which in several places fall on [March] 19th, coinciding with the Nyepi day. During Nyepi day, we know that noises, vehicles, and the like are totally not allowed in public places, while on the evening of the same day, our Muslim fellows also celebrate takbiran,” the Minister said.
The Minister also stated that the coordination led to a mutual agreement that the two religious events can proceed with mutual respects. The regional government and Bali’s community figures have agreed that the takbiran celebrations can only proceed with due regard to the Nyepi rules.
“Alhamdulillah, thank God, we presented our report to the President, stating that an agreement has been reached with the Bali regional government and local community figures that the takbiran celebrations do not conflict with Nyepi. However, during the Nyepi celebrations, the takbiran celebrations must proceed without loudspeakers and with limited duration from 6 to 9 [pm],” he explained.
In addition, the Minister also talked on the possibility of differences in the determination of Eid al-Fitr celebration day in the country. He emphasized that the differences are common in the country’s religious life. “We will hold the official confirmation meeting (sidang isbat) to confirm when the Eid al-Fitr is,” the Minister said.
The Minister also underlined that the Government would continue its efforts to maintain interreligious tolerance and harmony, especially during back-to-back major religious holidays.
The back-to-back two religious event celebrations are a concrete example of the strength of Indonesia’s interreligious tolerance and harmony. This value must be preserved and reinforced in the life of the nation and the state. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (FI/TM)
