JAKARTA: President Joko Widodo, or Jokowi announced that the Muslim majority in the country will be permitted to conduct mass-evening prayers during the upcoming Ramadan month after (pic).
This comes after the government spent the past two years of the pandemic urging people to conduct religious activities at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
This more relaxed coronavirus restriction comes after the President claims the development of the pandemic is showing positive signs up to March 22.
“This year, Muslims can conduct tarawih (special prayers during Ramadan) at mosques abiding by the health protocol,” said the President on March 23.
However, he said activities regarding breaking fast that involve large groups of people are still not permitted, especially for state officials and government employees.
“The pandemic is improving and bringing with it a sense of optimism ahead of the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan,” said Jokowi who hopes the positive trend will constantly improve and be maintained.
In his announcement, Jokowi also mentioned the lifting of the “mudik” or mass-exodus ban, which is a local tradition as people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate Ramadan’s Eid al-Fitr. The government has set a policy where only completely vaccinated people are allowed to travel.
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