Bekasi Reopens Mosques, Worship Places

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bekasi city administration, West Java, has allowed its residents to hold religious events in mosques and other places of worship.

“[Mass religious activities are] now permissible, including the upcoming Friday prayer, but still under the health protocols of Covid-19,” said Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi, Friday, May 29.

The permit is issued through the Bekasi Mayor’s circular No. 450/3408/SETDA.KESSOS on protocols of religious activities to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease or Covid-19 in the city.

In a circular inked on Wednesday, May 27, the implementation of religious activities must follow the Covid-19 health protocols. For example, the houses of worship must be cleaned with disinfectant first before services.

The management must also submit a notice to the Bekasi administration. “They are obliged to provide hand sanitizers and thermal gun to check the body temperature,” Rahmat added.

Besides, congregations are mandated to wear face masks and bring their prayers’ equipment, as well as keep a distance of 1.2 meters between each other.

Rahmat further demanded sermon or religious speeches be delivered as short as possible in less than 15 minutes. “During services, people are not allowed to make direct contacts with each other such as shaking hands, hugging. They are advised to leave the place immediately once the service is over,” said Bekasi Mayor.

ANTARA