There is no prohibition to celebrate or to enjoy the holiday on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. However, the government has asked the public to be wise and stay disciplined in following the health protocols and slash the mobility on that dayJakarta (ANTARA) - Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate has stressed that celebrating or commemorating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad PUBH (peace be upon him) has not been prohibited amid the pandemic.
“There is no prohibition to celebrate or to enjoy the holiday on Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. However, the government has asked the public to be wise and stay disciplined in following the health protocols and slash the mobility on that day,” Plate said in a press statement issued here on Tuesday.
He said that the government has urged people who are keen on commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday to remain vigilant against COVID-19 transmission since the pandemic has not ended yet.
“Public should stay disciplined in following health protocols in a bid to prevent the rise in COVID-19 cases in the future,” he added.
Plate also urged the public to obey the Religious Affairs Ministry’s Circular No.29 of 2021 on Religious Holiday Guidelines.
Religious Holidays can be commemorated with face-to-face gatherings in keeping with strict health protocols in the regions where coronavirus transmission is at Level 1 and 2, he informed.
Meanwhile, it has been suggested that commemorations in regions where the coronavirus transmission is at Level 3 and 4 be conducted virtually, he said adding that religious committees should provide QR Codes for the PeduliLindungi (to care and protect) application.
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“The government prohibits rallies or parades during religious holidays that involve a large number of members,” he highlighted.
Furthermore, regional administrations have also been asked to monitor the health protocol implementation during the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, he informed.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) have also been requested to assist the government in monitoring public activities, he added.
Based on earlier experiences, COVID-19 cases have risen with an increase in public mobility, according to Plate.
Therefore, the government has warned the public that just a little carelessness can lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the few weeks ahead, he remarked.
Some countries have experienced another surge in COVID-19 cases despite their high vaccination rates, he added.
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Translator: Natisha, Juwita Trisna R
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
