Istiqlal Mosque to Hold Friday Prayer despite Coronavirus Concern

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta's Istiqlal Mosque management announced today, March 18, that it planned to hold the mass Friday prayer based on the Indonesian Ulema Council's (MUI) decision amid the coronavirus outbreak happening in the country.

"Yesterday, the mosque's high imam instructed to hold Friday prayer this week in accordance with the MUI's decision," said the Istiqlal Mosque's spokesman Abu Hurairah Abdul Salam in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 18.

However, he added that his side was open to changes if there are new orders from the high imam and the MUI regarding the weekly prayer.

According to Abu, the prayer service on March 20 will not use a mat or carpet as was done at the Friday prayer last week in a bid to anticipate the coronavirus spread in the area.

Previously reported, the joint team had sprayed disinfectant liquid at a number of mosque areas, including the main prayer hall, the second floor as well as places usually flocked by visitors and worshipers.

In addition, the Istiqlal Mosque was not closed for Muslims who want to perform prayers so far, but people were urged to immediately leave the mosque area after performing prayers.

As for recreational purposes or tourist visits, Istiqlal Mosque had been  temporarily suspended the service since last Monday. "The closure is valid until an undetermined time as we wait for further instructions," Abu concluded.

ANTARA