Istiqlal Mosque Sterilized to Combat Spread of COVID-19
Translator
Editor
13 March 2020 13:53 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was seen observing the sterilization process, ahead of today’s Friday Prayers, at Central Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque where officials were praying. The spraying of chemical disinfectants aimed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The president arrived at the mosque at 09:00 wearing a white shirt over black pair of pants as he conversed with Istiqlal’s Imam, Nazaruddin Umar. The president was also not wearing a face mask.
The president’s visit was accompanied by Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi, and State-owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir.
The disinfection process was done in Istiqlal’s main prayer room by 35 joint personnel from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Kesdam, Gegana, and the region’s military command. The sterilization team wore the complete hazmat suit upon disinfecting the area.
This was done following news of other countries temporarily banning large gatherings of people to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). However, in the meantime, Istiqlal Mosque will continue with its normal way of conducting its Friday prayers.
EGI ADYATAMA
