Cibinong, W Java (ANTARA News)- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) performed Eid Al-Adha prayers in Cibinong square, Bogor District, West Java Province, Wednesday morning.

The Head of State flanked by Teten Masduki, coordinator of presidential special staff, arrived at the venue at 6:04 a.m. local time.

Acting Governor of West Java Muhammad Iriawan and District Head of Bogor Nurhayanti greeted the President upon his arrival.

KH Zainal Abidin acted as the imam (leader) of the prayers, while after the prayers, DR KH Muhammad Suhendra delivered a sermon.

Following the prayers, President Jokowi handed over a cow weighing 1.3 ton which was donated to Baitul Faizin for sacrifice.

Muslims across Indonesia, and even the world, are celebrating the festival of Eid al-Adha, which coincides with the final rites of the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Eid Al-Adha, which means "festival of the sacrifice", commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim`s test of faith.

Muslims believe Prophet Ibrahim was ordered by God to sacrifice his son, Ismail. But later God stayed Ibrahim`s hand, sparing the boy, and placing a ram in his place.

The day is marked with the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, and the distribution of the meat among the poor in particular.

Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world, and this year sends more than 221 thousand Muslims to perform Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018