Religious Minister Tells Public Not to Mudik During Eid al-Adha This Year

Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (16/07/2021). (Photo by: PR of Ministry of Religious Affairs)

In a bid to significantly curb COVID-19 transmission, the Government urged the public to comply with the emergency public activity restrictions (Emergency PPKM) and not to participate in mudik (homeward exodus) during this year’s Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice).

“Ministry of Religious Affairs will immediately coordinate with Islamic organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and other Islamic organizations to jointly urge the public not to participate in mudik during Eid al-Adha. We know that mudik will most likely trigger COVID-19 transmission,” Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said after attending the Limited Meeting led by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday (16/07/2021).

Yaqut further said that the Ministry has issued Circular Number 17 of 2021 as a guideline for performing Eid al-Adha prayers and the Qurban (Animal Sacrifice).

Three main points that are regulated in the Circular are as follows.

First, prayers activities in houses of worship of all religions located in the area of Emergency PPKM are temporarily banned.

Second, Eid al-Adha mass prayers and takbiran (parade on the eve of Eid) celebration in mosques and musola buildings or outside home located in the area of Emergency PPKM are temporarily banned. 

Third, the implementation of animal sacrifices must be in accordance with the Islamic law and strict health protocols.

Furthermore, Yaqut went on to say that the Government has no intention to prohibit the prayers. In fact, the Government called on all people, especially Muslims who are welcoming Eid al-Adha, to more diligently worship even from home.

“We have more often to pray for Indonesia, the world, and human races so that we can escape COVID-19 pandemic,” he remarked. (MAY/UN) (AP/MUR)