Istiqlal Mosque: Anies Baswedan Not Suggested to be Preacher
May 23, 2018 | 07:18 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Head of Protocol and Tourism Service at Istiqlal Mosque Abu Hurairah denied a saying that Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan was on the list of preachers during mass tarawih event in Istiqlal Mosque on May 26, 2018.
"I confirmed that in the tarawih event on May 26, 2018, Pak Anies has never been proposed to be a speaker," said Abu in Jakarta, Tuesday, May 22.
Abu asserted only Ulema or scholars would deliver sermons. While Anies as Jakarta officials would attend as umara or leader. In Presidential Decree No. 38/1994, the Governor is also a Management Board member of Istiqlal Mosque.
Abu added Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Hidayat Nur Wahid would give a lecture with the theme of Democracy in Islam.
Earlier, Jakarta Government initially planned to hold mass tarawih prayer event in Monas. However, the plan was turned down as it sparked criticism from many ulemas. Anies Baswedan then changed the location to Istiqlal Mosque.
Jakarta Education, Mental and Spiritual Bureau head Hendra Hidayat also confirmed Anies Baswedan would only deliver a welcome speech; not a sermon in Tarawih Akbar on May 26.
ANTARA | BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI
