Jakarta Cathedral Finalizes Plan for Christmas Mass Amid PPKM

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Spokesperson of the Jakarta Cathedral Susyana Suwadie on Sunday said that the preparations for the upcoming Christmas mass – along with the Church’s seating capacity – will be finalized today on Monday, which comes after the government permits a 100 percent seating capacity under the coronavirus restriction policy PPKM level 1. 

However, the Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on Friday, December 16, reminded Church management that temporary tents to house more seats for congregates are not permitted. 

“Houses of worship are allowed to accommodate 100 percent seating capacity. Which means there shall not be any tents outside the Church,” said the Minister on December 16, at the National Police Main Headquarters following a coordination meeting with police personnel. 

Susyana Suwadie said the Jakarta Cathedral’s seating capacity in total is 1,460 seats spread across a number of areas within the Church. 

“There can be 800 inside the Church and 560 in the Plaza Maria and near the Gua Maria. While there are 100 seats at the Plaza Sumpah Pemuda,” said the spokesperson on December 18. “We will hold a final meeting on Monday evening [on the preparations].”

In 2021, Jakarta Cathedral already permitted physical attendance for Christmas mass under strict health protocol. At the time, management only allowed 40 percent attendance which amounted to 650 congregates amidst the coronavirus pandemic and was spread across three sessions. 

VANIA NOVIE ANDINI | INTERN 

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