"In accordance with the rules, I appeal to Muslims to not conduct activities that can lead to crowds, including performing the Eid al-Adha prayer, both within and outside mosques," Amin noted in his statement on the YouTube account of the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia here on Tuesday.
The vice president highlighted that the policy aligned with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) fatwa issued for red zone areas, or regions with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.
"This (policy) is actually in line with the MUI fatwa. Hence, if one area is included in the red zone, congregational prayers and Friday prayers in that area will be temporarily suspended," he explained.
"When the MUI fatwa was released, COVID-19 cases had not yet reached 15 thousand. However, COVID-19 cases have currently crossed over 20 thousand and already at 28 thousand. This means the level of emergency is very high," he stated.
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas had earlier issued Circular Letter (SE) Number 17 of 2021 on the temporary stop to worship at places of worship, Takbiran nights, Eid Al-Adha prayers, as well as technical instructions for the implementation of Qurban 1442 Hijri in areas where Emergency PPKM has been enforced.
Eid al-Adha worship activities, ranging from Takbiran nights to the slaughtering of sacrificial animals, have been canceled to curb the rate of spread of COVID-19.
Sacrificial animals can be slaughtered at slaughterhouses (RPH) or in other large areas whilst adhering to strict health protocols and without the presence of the giver and recipient of the sacrificial animal.
The sacrificial animal must be distributed by officers by minimizing physical contact with the recipient and wearing double masks and gloves.
"Hence, the ban aims to protect these people in the midst of a surge in COVID-19 transmission, especially during the enforcement of Emergency PPKM. That is the government's consideration," the vice president stated.
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Translator: Fransiska Ninditya, Katriana
Editor: Suharto
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