Ulemas in Central Java Province (have) initiated (the discussion) to formulate how the new normal protocols are (to be) enforced later. At present, many residents have asked us about when the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic can be enforced
Semarang, C Java (ANTARA) - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo met with chairman of the Central Java chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), KH Ahmad Darodji, here on Wednesday to discuss new normal protocols for mosques.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen.

"Ulemas in Central Java Province (have) initiated (the discussion) to formulate how the new normal protocols are (to be) enforced later. At present, many residents have asked us about when the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic can be enforced," Ganjar Pranowo said.

In response to a question, he said the new normal situation would be enforced if the novel coronavirus curve flattens. "So, now, we must be well prepared for that," he added.

Chairman of the MUI (Central Java chapter), KH Ahmad Darodji, said local Muslims have been very keen to perform Friday prayers at mosques, while Muslim students are eager to get back to their Islamic boarding schools. However, everyone must comply with rules, he added.

Earlier, on Tuesday, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) also held discussions with eight interfaith leaders representing Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism over the implementation of the new normal .

At the meeting held at the Merdeka Palace here, President Jokowi sought opinions from the interfaith leaders on the imposition of new normal rules at houses of worship in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accompanied by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and State Secretary Pratikno, President Jokowi stressed that the COVID-19 outbreak is not solely a public health issue, and has had socio-economical repercussions on communities owing to its wide-ranging impact on other sectors of life.

Interfaith leaders Helmi Faishal Zaini from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Abdul Mu'ti from Muhammadiyah, KH. Muhyiddin Junaidi from Indonesian Ulema Council, Pdt. Gomar Gultom of PGI, and Ignatius Kardinal Suharyo of KWI attended the meeting with President Jokowi.

At the meeting, Wisnu Bawa Tenaya represented the Indonesian Hindu Council (PHDI), while Arief Harsono represented the Indonesian Buddhist Association (Permabudhi), and Xs. Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo the Indonesian Confucian High Council (Matakin).

The coronavirus disease initially struck the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of 2019, and has since spread to at least 202 countries and territories, including Indonesia, with a huge spike in death toll.

The Indonesian government officially announced the country's first confirmed cases on March 2 this year.

To contain the spread of infections among community members, students have been requested to learn from home, and worshippers have been asked to perform religious activities at home.

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Translator: Wisnu AN, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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