The ministry will issue a circular letter regarding worship activity in places of worship
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Religion Affairs will immediately issue a Circular Letter on worship activity in places of worship in line with the easing of several regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19 by the government.

"The ministry will issue a circular letter regarding worship activity in places of worship," Director General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion Affairs Kamaruddin Amin stated on Friday.

The ministry had earlier issued several circulars that regulate the provisions for worship activity by adjusting to the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several circulars were also issued to regulate the management of worship during respective religious holidays. All circulars were expected to maintain comfort, safety, and order during worship activity.

However, the government had started to ease several regulations related to COVID-19 prevention in public places, including removing PCR or antigen test as travel requirement for fully vaccinated people in domestic travel and allowing spectators' presence at sport matches.

Along with this policy, the Ministry of Religion Affairs will also adjust the rule for worship activities in places of worship. The last rule regarding the provisions of worship in places of worship is contained in Circular Number 4 of 2022.

Nevertheless, Amin urged people to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols, such as wearing masks while performing worship.

"We have to realize that COVID-19 is still around us. We still have to continue to be vigilant and maintain health protocols. Masks cannot be removed at all while in places of worship," he emphasized.

Earlier, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) stated that social distancing during praying could be removed since the government had decided on several easing-related rules for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

"The fatwa regarding social distancing during praying is an exemption called rukhsah. With the declining number of cases and the easing of social activity, including social distancing in public, the fatwa could be revoked," Chairman of Fatwa in MUI Asrorun Niam stated.

Niam stated that this adjustment allowed for recommencement of recitation activities in mosques and offices while maintaining health protocols.

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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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