Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as COVID curbs ease

JAKARTA, April 3 (Reuters) – The world’s largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta’s grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus circumstances permitting for eased restrictions this yr.

Hundreds gathered after nightfall at Istiqlal mosque within the Indonesian capital to hitch the Tarawih prayer, particular prayers carried out solely in the course of the month of Ramadan, donning masks and utilizing check-in apps to participate within the occasion.

For the previous two years Indonesia has grappled with one of many highest charges of COVID-19 in Asia, however this Ramadan, historically a time of group, reflection and prayer, circumstances have eased sufficient to permit for mass gatherings.

“I really feel grateful that we’re lastly in a position to collect for the Tarawih prayer, and there are not any strict restrictions this time like earlier than,” stated Tri Haryono, 28.

“I am very grateful that we are able to lastly pray right here collectively.”

Amid the worst spikes within the coronavirus pandemic, Indonesian Muslims have been prohibited from praying on the mosque, and becoming a member of the annual mudik or exodus custom, when tens of millions journey to go to their households throughout the sprawling archipelago.

President Joko Widodo introduced final week that mudik can be permitted this yr after pandemic-related journey bans have prevented the practise for the previous two years.

“The enhancing COVID scenario has introduced optimism because the Ramadan holy month is upon us,” he advised a information convention.

The beginning of Ramadan, throughout which observers abstain from foods and drinks from daybreak till sundown, can fall on totally different dates attributable to variations in sightings of the brand new moon.

This yr fasting month started earlier in a lot of the Center East and South Asia than in Southeast Asia, which began fasting on Sunday.

Writing by Kate Lamb; Enhancing by Stephen Coates

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Belief Ideas.