"Please intensify the 5M+1D campaign during the Independence Day for all elements in public," Qoumas said on Monday.
The 5M+1D movement prescribes wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining social distance, reducing mobility, avoiding crowds, and praying.
On Sunday night (August 1, 2021), the government held a prayer night to welcome the commemoration of Indonesia's 76th anniversary, which was attended by President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.
Interfaith leaders also gathered and prayed for the nation at the meeting according to their respective beliefs.
All religious people in Indonesia must complete their efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission by praying, the minister said.
"We need to pray to God and put our faith in God. The government and all public should work together to handle the pandemic as well," he added.
Prayers are at the root of the hope that we should deliver to God, he remarked. The pandemic is one of God's tests that we should overcome by getting closer to Him, he said.
"Prayer is a powerful weapon for faithful people," Qoumas added.
Earlier, Vice President Ma'aruf Amin had said that all elements in Indonesia should revive the national strength, which the nation's heroes had imbibed to fight for independence, to endure the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We can build strength if we can regenerate our national strength, which we once had when fighting for the independence of this nation," he remarked.
In addition, nationalism must serve as an example for all Indonesians to gather strength to overcome the current pandemic, he added.
Related news: Indonesians urged to worship at home to cut COVID spread
Related news: Health workers to get Moderna vaccine booster, minister assures
Related news: Third COVID-19 shots only for 1.5 million Indonesian health workers
Translator: Asep F, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
