TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Provincial Government noted 10 activities during Ramadan 2021 that potentially cause crowds. The city’s Education and Mental Spirituality Bureau Head, Muhammad Zen, said that mosque operators should address them in a bid to prevent Covid-19 transmission.

“We ask mosque administrators to implement strict health protocols during Ramadan to prevent the transmission of Covid-19,” said Zen via a text message on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Public activities during the holy month that must be anticipated include the joint sahur (predawn meal), Friday prayers, face-to-face religious lectures and studies, breaking-the-fast gathering, tarawih prayers, the commemoration of Nuzulul al Qur'an, I'tikaf (seclusion in mosques), zakat payment and distribution, and Malam Takbir or eve of Eid al-Fitr, as well as Eid prayers.

“Mosque administrators must prepare technical guidelines for organizing the prayers,” he added.

Jakarta government allows religious activities during the fasting month. However, mosque management and congregations must abide by the government’s policies in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The policies include the implementation of the 3M health protocols of wearing face masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap provided at places of worship. “The number of congregations is also limited to 50 percent of the total capacity to prevent potential crowds,” Zen explained.

He asked all elements along with the government to enhance the discipline during Ramadan to anticipate Covid-19 spread.

Read: Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Issues Circular on Ramadan Prayers

IMAM HAMDI