Ramadan; MRT Jakarta Allows Passengers to Eat and Drink on Board

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PT MRT Jakarta applies a special policy to welcome the Islamic holy month of Ramadan (a month of fasting for Muslims). The corporate director of operation and maintenance Muhammad Effendi said passengers are allowed to eat and drink to break their fast on board.

During the whole month of Ramadan, Muslims are obligated to fast every day from dawn to sunset. They refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations.

“But passengers must keep their waste to dump it outside [the train],” said Effendi in Neo Hotel, Monday, April 29.

MRT normally prohibits passengers from consuming food and beverage on board and in the station area.

Effendi explained the special Ramadan regulation will take effect starting May 6 until June 16, 2019. The train management provides ten more days after Ramadan considering passengers may likely perform Shawwal fasting.

During Ramadan, passengers are also allowed to give others iftar-foods or light snacks to break the fast on board. In addition, a special feature of the map of nearest mosques in the station area will be displayed via MRT app service to ease passengers perform prayer since MRT Jakarta does not have a large one.

“We will also notify [the passengers] 5 to 10 minutes before azan time (time to break the fast) through speakers,” Effendi concluded.

IMAM HAMDI