Meeting with Prabowo, Minister of Religious Affairs says Nuzulul Quran to be held at the State Palace

Jakarta — Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said on Wednesday that the Nuzulul Quran commemorations would be held at the State Palace in Jakarta, after receiving directives from President Prabowo Subianto regarding the event’s location. ‘I have just met with the President to discuss the preparations for Nuzulul Quran. So, God willing, the upcoming Nuzulul Quran will be held in Jakarta, precisely at the State Palace,’ Nasaruddin said during a press briefing at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Nasaruddin explained that alternative venues for the commemoration included Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), the Istiqlal Mosque, or the Presidential Palace. Based on the President’s instructions, he said, the activity was decided to be held at the State Palace.

Nasaruddin also said that in the meeting the scheduling of zakat payments for President Prabowo and other officials, which are planned to take place at the State Palace, was discussed.

Additionally, he reported on preparations ahead of Eid, including the takbir event coinciding with Nyepi Day in Bali on March 19. He said there had been an agreement with regional governments and community leaders in Bali regarding the takbir to continue to respect Nyepi. Under the agreement, Nyepi would proceed as usual. Meanwhile, takbir is allowed without loudspeakers and limited from 18:00 to 21:00 WITA.

‘Takbir does not conflict with Nyepi, provided Nyepi itself continues, but the takbir can go on too, just not using a sound system and limited to 18:00 to 21:00 (WITA),’ the Minister said.

Nasaruddin also noted that differences in Eid al-Fitr dates are common in Indonesia and that the date determination will await the results of the Isbat meeting. ‘And for Eid al-Fitr as well, we accept this difference as normal in Indonesia. Later we will see at the Isbat meeting when exactly Eid al-Fitr will take place,’ he said.