Alarming Rise of Covid-19; Minister Yaqut Bans Religious Activities in Red Zone

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas banned religious activities in areas categorized as Covid-19 red zone until they are declared safe from the virus through the issuance of a Circular No. SE 13 of 2021. The zone categorization is set by respective regional governments.

“Socio-religious and community activities, such as public Quran recitations, meetings, weddings, and so on in a place or the house of worship are also suspended temporarily in the red and orange zones until condition allows,” said Yaqut in a written statement on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

Yaqut added that worship activities at places of worship in areas declared safe from the virus spread can only be carried out by residents under strict health protocols. The Religious Affairs Ministry has issued the guidance on Circular No. SE. 1 of 2020.

The Minister also asked the ministry’s officials, religious affairs offices’ officials, religious counselors, religious organization leaders, and houses of worship managers to monitor the health protocol implementation.

“Hold intensive coordination with the regional government and the local Covid-19 task force,” he said.

Minister Yaqut hoped people could perform religious activities while maintaining their safety with adjustment to the current condition in their areas. “This circular is a guide to prevent, control, and break the chain of virus transmission in houses of worship,” he concluded.

Read: Jakarta Sees Covid-19 Surge; Rusun Nagrak Set to Accommodate 1,000 People

DEWI NURITA