Istiqlal not to distribute meat to foundations
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The management of Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta revealed on Tuesday that it would not distribute free meat to foundations, institutions or mosques during Idul Adha (the Day of Sacrifice) to prevent the recurrence of a stampede, as happened last year.
"We have decided to distribute the lion's share of the sacrificed meat on Friday only. We hope the meat will be sufficient for poor people lining up here," said Purwantoro, an employee at the mosque, adding that last year the mosque handed over meat for two days.
"We plan to slaughter seven cows and 11 goats this year."
The figure is slightly higher than last year's six cows and 11 goats.
The mosque's management has sent notification letters to foundations, charity institutions and mosques, informing them it would not provide them free meat. Those bodies sent in their requests for meat last week.
"Should they want to get free meat, they should come on Friday to get coupons just like anyone else," Purwantoro said.
Each coupon can be exchanged for a kilogram of free meat, either goat or beef. The poor can get the coupons after the Ied prayer on Friday at 8:00 a.m.
Last year's celebration at the mosque ended up as a stampede, as around 2,000 people fought for pieces of free meat. The situation turned chaotic as the distributed meat was insufficient for all the people waiting in line.
By distributing the meat on Friday only it is hoped that a similar incident can be avoided. However, Purwantoro had no idea whether the number of coupons distributed to the people would be greater this year.
The management will also request the assistance of the city police and military personnel to help maintain security during the festivities.
Two platoons of military and police officers, comprising a total of 74 persons, will be deployed to safeguard meat distribution at the mosque site.
"Should there be any leftover meat, it will be distributed to the committee members," Purwantoro said.
The committee comprises 228 people, including security personnel. That figure excludes three groups of butchers, each of which comprises five people.
The price for slaughtering a cow is Rp 250,000 (US$24.50) and a goat Rp 25,000.
Other mosques in the capital have also been busy with preparations for the upcoming celebration, including the Sunda Kelapa Mosque in Menteng, Central Jakarta.
"So far, we have received three cows and 35 goats for the sacrifice," said Adhi Laksono, a member of the mosque's management.
He hinted that the number of cattle to be sacrificed this year might be lower compared with last year's 11 cows and 120 goats. He presumed many people had already donated money to flooding victims, who have suffered for three weeks.
"We will also prioritize the handover of meat to residents in the flood-hit areas, including Manggarai and Setiabudi, both in South Jakarta," Adhi said.