Eid al-Adha Prayer at Istiqlal Mosque Embraces Eco-Theology Theme

Jakarta - The Eid al-Adha prayer for 1447 Hijriah at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque on Tuesday carried the theme ‘The Spirit of Sacrifice Cares for Nature and Humanity’, aligning with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ broader eco-theology and theology of love initiative. The sermon was delivered by Prof. H. Hamdan Juhannis, rector of Alauddin State Islamic University (UIN) Makassar, titled ‘Strengthening the Spirit of Sacrifice: Caring for Nature and Humanity’. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka attended the prayer alongside thousands of Muslims under tight security, which remained orderly and conducive. Attendees were required to adhere to order, comfort, and health protocols. Before entering the main prayer hall, visitors underwent security checks by joint task forces, including the Presidential Security Unit (Paspampres). Organisers estimated 100,000 to 150,000 attendees, consistent with previous years. The atmosphere was solemn and emotional, with 60-year-old Jakarta East resident Sofian expressing gratitude for praying at Istiqlal with his two children, who had been working in Malaysia. ‘In previous years, I usually prayed at my local mosque with just my wife,’ Sofian said at the mosque grounds. Pedestrian worshippers were directed through Al-Fattah Gate (opposite Jakarta Cathedral), As-Salam 1, and As-Salam 2 (opposite Juanda Bus Stop), while those with private vehicles entered via Al-Aziz and Al-Mukmin Gates (opposite SMPN 4 Jakarta) to park in the mosque’s basement. Organisers also provided parking areas including B1 and B2 basement (600 cars), Pertamina area (400 cars), Ministry of Religious Affairs (150-200 cars), Banteng Square (200 cars), Post Office (200 cars), behind the TNI AD Building (100 cars), and a dedicated motorcycle parking area at Jakarta Cathedral for 200 bikes.