Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that 6,859 mosques are ready to serve as rest stops for travelers along various homecoming routes across Indonesia during the 2026 Eid holiday period.

The initiative is part of the "Masjid Ramah Pemudik" (Mosques Friendly to Travelers) program. Launched during a kickoff event in Jakarta, the program aims to expand the role of mosques as centers for community service.

"We want to change the image of mosques, which have long been seen as only opening for the five daily prayers. Mosques should return to their function of providing services to the community," said Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafii in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

Syafii noted that mosques located along major homecoming routes can serve as safe and comfortable stopover points for travelers journeying to their hometowns.

"Mosques are not only places for prayer but also places to rest that provide various conveniences for travelers," he added.

A range of services will be provided at participating mosques to support travelers’ needs, including 24-hour access to prayer rooms, parking areas, clean toilets, rest areas, first aid health services, and clean water.

Mosque managers are also expected to provide mobile phone charging stations, information centers, drinking water, and light snacks.

Director General of Islamic Community Guidance Abu Rokhmad said the program reflects the government’s presence in serving the public during the annual Eid homecoming season.

"This is a form of the state’s presence as well as our service to the public who are traveling for the homecoming," Rokhmad said.



He added that participating mosques are located along strategic routes and have been coordinated with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ regional offices to ensure their facilities are ready.

To help travelers locate these mosques, the ministry provides location information through the Pusaka Super App, which allows users to find the nearest mosque and view directions.

In addition to mosques, various houses of worship from other religions have also opened their doors as rest stops for travelers in need of a place to rest during their journey.



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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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