Eid al-Adha Prayers at Gianyar's Grand Mosque Overflow into Streets

Traffic noise from passing vehicles was audible to some worshippers conducting Eid al-Adha prayers outside Masjid Agung Al A’la on Kesatrian Street in Gianyar, yet this did not diminish their devotion. Asrofi, a congregant at Masjid Agung Al A’la, said, ‘What can you do? There are many worshippers, but it doesn’t affect the focus.’ He had intended to join others praying on the street after arriving late but found a spot inside the mosque. He understood the overflow, noting it is customary for worshippers to pray on the road during holidays. Jamal, a Gianyar resident, added that devotion should not be disturbed by traffic noise. ‘True focus depends on intention,’ he said. He explained that the mosque has never accommodated all worshippers during Islamic holidays, so vehicles passing by during prayers are normal. Eid al-Adha prayers began at 7:00 AM WITA, with the mosque full by 6:00 AM. Kesatrian Street in front of the mosque was closed, while intersections at Kesatrian Street and Ngurai Rai Road, and Majapahit Street and Erlangga Road were monitored by police, TNI, pecalang, and Gianyar Transportation Department personnel. Vehicles at these intersections were rerouted to Gianyar Public Market and Kebo Iwa Road behind the government complex. Cars, motorcycles, and garbage trucks were diverted along these alternative routes. Gianyar Police Chief Kompol I Made Adi Suryawan stated traffic diversions were implemented to secure the prayers, following the same procedure for Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, and other major Islamic events. ‘This rerouting is standard when many pray at the mosque,’ he said. Suryawan noted many residents were active in the morning, heading to markets or other destinations, so temporary diversions prevented unnecessary detours. ‘Some need to go to the market or elsewhere; we avoid making them go far,’ he added.