Largest Mosque in SE Asia Ready to Accommodate 250k Muslims for Eid Prayer
"If needed, the Istiqlal Mosque can be prepared to accommodate 200 thousand people or, if the (outer) red-floored courtyard is opened, up to 250 thousand people," its Grand Imam, Nasaruddin Umar, said on Friday.
Umar, who earlier served as deputy religious affairs minister, also said that several ministers, high-ranking officials, and ambassadors will offer prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque.
"God Willing, visitors will throng the Istiqlal Mosque as the mosque reopens for its first public Eid al-Fitr prayer after the renovation is completed," Umar stated.
Istiqlal Mosque, being the largest in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, is operating with high service standards and emergency procedures, he affirmed.
"We even have a contingency protocol in case of electric supply disruption," the grand imam added.
Meanwhile, he urged visitors planning to attend the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the mosque to adhere to health protocols, including wearing masks, while joining the congregation.
"Masks are effective not only to prevent COVID-19 but also prevent other diseases," he remarked.
Umar said that Saturday's Eid al-Fitr prayer at Istiqlal Mosque will be led by the mosque's permanent Imam, Ahmad Muzakir, while the sermon after the prayer will be delivered by Jakarta's Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Rector Professor Saepudin Jahar.
Source: antaranews.com
