Indonesian Embassies in UAE and Oman Cancel Eid al-Fitr Events Due to Security Concerns
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in several Middle Eastern countries has announced the cancellation of communal Eid al-Fitr prayers and halal bihalal events scheduled for 1 Syawal 1447 H at their respective embassy compounds.
The first KBRI to announce the cancellation of the Eid al-Fitr agenda was KBRI Muscat. According to the Indonesian Ambassador to Oman, Mohamad Irzan Djohan, the decision was taken in light of the ongoing unstable developments in the Middle East region.
“We have taken this step as a form of caution and responsibility to prioritise collective safety and comfort,” said Ambassador Irzan in a letter from KBRI Muscat dated 16 March, as monitored via the Instagram social media of KBRI in Jakarta on Thursday.
Ambassador Irzan acknowledged that the decision was not easy, as the Eid al-Fitr prayers and halal bihalal activities at the KBRI are a highly anticipated moment for the Indonesian community in Oman as an occasion for reconnection and togetherness.
He hoped that the cancellation of the event would not diminish the solemnity of Eid al-Fitr for Indonesian citizens in Oman, while reminding them to always monitor developments in the situation and to care for one another.
Another Indonesian representative cancelling Eid al-Fitr events for security reasons is KBRI Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as announced by Ambassador Judha Nugraha in a letter dated 17 March released on KBRI Abu Dhabi’s social media.
In the announcement, Ambassador Judha advised the Indonesian diaspora in the UAE to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the nearest mosque from their residences, while still paying attention to the security situation and conditions as well as instructions from local authorities.
“We hope for the understanding of the entire Indonesian community regarding this step, which is taken solely to safeguard collective safety and security,” said Ambassador Judha.
In addition to KBRI Muscat and KBRI Abu Dhabi, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Dubai, UAE, is another Indonesian representative in the Gulf region that has cancelled communal Eid al-Fitr prayers.
Through its social media, KJRI Dubai stated that the decision was taken based on security considerations in the region.
Meanwhile, several other KBRIs in the Gulf region, such as in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran, have not yet issued any announcements regarding Eid al-Fitr activities at their respective embassies, as monitored on Instagram social media until Thursday.