Gus Ipul and Khofifah Perform Eid al-Fitr Prayer at Surabaya's Grand National Al Akbar Mosque
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, performed Eid al-Fitr prayers at Surabaya’s Grand National Al Akbar Mosque alongside East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa today. Thousands of worshippers filled the mosque grounds in a solemn, warm, and communal atmosphere.
Gus Ipul attended with his wife Fatma Saifullah Yusuf and their three children. Several regional officials were also present, including East Java Deputy Governor Emil Elestianto Dardak.
According to him, the opportunity to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers again at Surabaya’s Grand National Al Akbar Mosque this year is a special moment. He expressed gratitude for being able to return home and celebrate Eid al-Fitr with the people of East Java.
“The chance to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at Surabaya’s Grand National Al Akbar Mosque today is a special joy. I thank the President for allowing us to return home, so we can join the Eid prayers here with so many worshippers,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Saturday (3/21/2026).
According to Gus Ipul, the Eid al-Fitr atmosphere at Al Akbar Mosque felt very lively. After the prayers, he also felt the warmth of togetherness while shaking hands directly with the worshippers.
“After the prayers, we can shake hands with the worshippers. It really feels like Eid,” he said.
Besides the solemn atmosphere, Gus Ipul also appreciated the content of the Eid al-Fitr sermon, which he considered rich in moral messages. According to him, the preacher encouraged Muslims to become individuals who make a positive impact, bring benefits, and serve as solutions for others.
“The sermon was quite good, extraordinary. It was delivered very well that after passing through fasting and now entering Eid al-Fitr, we must become Muslims who make an impact, Muslims who are beneficial to others, and Muslims who can be solutions, not problems,” he said.
He added that this message is very relevant amid the global situations facing the world, including the conflict in the Middle East. Therefore, Gus Ipul believes that the spirit of harmony, togetherness, and mutual support must continue to be nurtured.
“Amid various global issues, one of which is the war in the Middle East, we need the spirit of harmony, togetherness, and strengthening each other,” he stated.
Gus Ipul also appreciated East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Deputy Governor Emil Dardak, and all parties involved in organising the Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al Akbar Mosque. He assessed that the good coordination made the entire worship sequence run orderly, neatly, and smoothly.
“I appreciate the governor and deputy governor, as well as all parties, from the police, officers, to the committee who have planned and coordinated well on the ground. Thus, getting to the location was smooth, and the worshippers could orderly follow the activities well,” he explained.
According to him, the conducive atmosphere during Ramadan up to Eid al-Fitr is the result of collaborative efforts by all elements of society. Such social capital is very important to continue to maintain in building the nation’s future.
“All parties actually have a role in creating a conducive atmosphere, so that over the past month we could worship well, devoutly, full of tolerance. Hopefully, this becomes strong social capital for harmony to build Indonesia in the future,” he concluded.