However, it was not a heavy congregation that gathered at the Istiqlal Mosque, considering that at the same time, the Central Jakarta area and its surroundings were showered with heavy rain.
The congregation filled about six-seven rows of men and women.
"Maybe only about 500 worshippers have come. Because of the heavy rain, too," said Anwar (23), one of the officers on duty at the entrance to the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.
Generally speaking, male worshipers dominated the arrivals, he added.
The Isha and tarawih prayers on 1 Ramadan at Istiqlal were led by Anshoruddin Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, the tarawih sermon was delivered by the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar.
Earlier, the Grand Imam had explained that Istiqlal had been opened to the public at the last Friday Prayers, which were attended by Governor Anies Baswedan and government officials.
Istiqlal was opened with a limited capacity of two thousand worshippers. This number is very small when compared to the total capacity of the mosque, which can accommodate 250 thousand people.
A number of simulations were also carried out, namely to determine the distance of 1.5 meters between congregation members and provision of hand sanitizers and soap in public areas.
For worship activities, Istiqlal is only remaining open for the five daily prayers and tarawih prayers. Prayers are only being performed on the main floor. Other activities, such as breaking the fast and sahur (predawn meal) together, have been eliminated. (INE)
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Mentari D, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
