JAKARTA, April 22 — Muslims in Indonesia on Saturday celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri in a joyful atmosphere with their families in their respective hometowns after three years of celebrating in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nation with the largest concentration of Muslims in the world observes Aidilfitri concurrently with neighbouring nations like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The rise in daily COVID-19 instances caused by the XBB.1.16 or Arcturus sub type in recent times did not stop this year’s 123.8 million homebound travellers.
Roads in the capital were deserted, mosques chanted takbir all night until Dawn and residents carried torches around residential areas in a tradition called, ‘Torch Parade’.
Although there is no movement control order, three days before Aidilfitri, President Joko Widodo or Jokowi urged them to be vigilant and use face masks if they feel unwell.
In his speech last night he also called on road users to be careful amid the increased traffic and when they subsequently return to the city later.
This morning, Jokowi performed the performed solat sunat Aidilfitri prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Solo, Central Java accompanied by governor Ganjar Pranowo, who was recently announced by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle as a presidential candidate in the 2024 election.
The Indonesian president did not hold an open house this year to give all government employees the opportunity to spend time with their families.
Meanwhile, 300 Malaysians participated in Hari Raya solat sunat prayers in the embassy with the ambassador of Malaysia to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Mohd Hasrin Tengku Hussin @ Syed Hussin, and his wife, Datin Sarah Nava Rani Devadason.
He and his guests consisting of students, diaspora and embassy staff were then feted to a Malaysian spread including tomato rice and other delicacies prepared by the embassy in Kuningan, South Jakarta.
