Places of Worship, Schools Must Follow Strict Protocols During New Normal, President Jokowi Says
Houses of worship, economic activities, and schools will be re-opened in stages and must take into account the R0 and Rt curve rate, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.
“All of them use strict scientific data. We hope it will run from stage to stage, from sector to sector, from province to province in accordance with the R0 and RT figures,” the President told reporters after inspecting the renovation progress of Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Tuesday (2/6).
For the record, the renovation progress of Istiqlal Mosque has reached 90% and the renovation is set to be completed next month.
“To date, the renovation progress of Istiqlal Mosque has reached 90% and it is expected to be completed in early July. There has been a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said, adding that the decision to re-open the mosque will be made by the High Imam of Istiqlal Mosque.
“I’ve also ordered (the mosque caretakers) to apply health protocols so we will be safe from COVID-19 once we are allowed to perform prayer at the mosque. As you may be aware, we cannot control the spread of the virus in each province across the country,” the President said.
The iconic Istiqlal Mosque – which is located in Central Jakarta – was opened to the public 22 February 1978. The mosque has been under renovation since May 2019. The renovation was scheduled to be completed before the fasting month of Ramadan this year; yet it was delayed due to the pandemic. (TGH/EN)
Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas