Eid al-Adha 1447 H Prayer at Istiqlal Mosque: Gibran Rakabuming and Eco-Theology Message

Tens of thousands of Muslims filled Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta to perform the Eid al-Adha 1447H prayer on Wednesday (27 May) morning. This year’s worship service carried a profound message under the theme ‘Sacrifice Spirit: Caring for the Environment and Humanity’, aligning with the Ministry of Religion’s eco-theology and love theology vision. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the prayer alongside worshippers. The country’s second-highest official was accompanied by senior government figures, including Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, and Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar. Diplomatic representatives were also present, including Palestine’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Abdulfattah A.K. Al-Sattiri. The sermon was delivered by Prof. H. Hamdan Juhannis, Rector of UIN Alauddin Makassar, titled ‘Strengthening the Sacrifice Spirit: Caring for the Environment and Humanity’. In his address, he stressed that the essence of sacrifice extends beyond animal slaughter rituals, embodying concern for environmental sustainability and human welfare. Despite tight security by joint forces and the Presidential Security Unit (Paspampres), the atmosphere at Southeast Asia’s largest mosque remained orderly and conducive. Organisers estimated attendance between 100,000 and 150,000 worshippers. One attendee, 60-year-old Jatinegara resident Sofian, expressed his emotion: ‘In previous years, I only prayed at home with my wife. This year, I am grateful to be at Istiqlal with my two children who have recently returned from working in Malaysia.’ To ensure comfort and manage crowds, organisers implemented access control measures and provided strategic parking zones around the Istiqlal Mosque area. This year’s Eid al-Adha prayer at Istiqlal symbolised harmony between spiritual devotion, social care, and environmental responsibility amid the nation’s dynamics. (Ant/Z-1)