"Health protocols are our efforts to maintain our health amid the pandemic. We want to ensure that we are all healthy and safe in the midst of this unfinished pandemic," Director General of Islamic Education at the Religious Affairs Ministry Kamaruddin Amin noted in a written statement received here, Monday.
Although the number of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia had decreased, the public should stay vigilant and implement strict health protocols ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays, Amin emphasized.
By implementing health protocols, the public could help to curb the spread of COVID-19, he affirmed.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued Circular Letter of the Religious Affairs Minister Number 33 of 2021 on Prevention and Control of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 in the Implementation of 2021 Christmas Masses.
"Although we are allowed to hold outdoor activities in various forms, please do not forget of take care of each other," he stated.
In addition, the ministry urges the public and religious organizations to promote mutual respect amid Indonesia's diversity during the Christmas celebrations.
He emphasized that by upholding the values of such differences, the harmony and peace that had been created would be maintained.
"Let us respect Christians, who celebrate Christmas, just like the way Christians respect those, who do not celebrate Christmas. We should respect each other," Amin affirmed.
This mutual respect for differences and love for peace is a reflection of the substance of religious teachings, he stated.
"We invite religious leaders to invite their people to uphold religious and national values, especially to create a peaceful Christmas and New Year," Amin concluded.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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