Minister of Religious Affairs Ensures Istiqlal Mosque Sacrifice Won't Pollute Environment

Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar assured that there would be no environmental pollution from the sacrificial animals at Istiqlal Mosque, stating ‘Insha’Allah, there will be no pollution; not a single drop of animal blood will flow into the river’ during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (26/5). The slaughter was conducted in one day.

He explained that Masjid Istiqlal no longer distributes meat directly to the public due to difficulties in controlling queues. Instead, the meat is allocated to orphanages, majelis taklim, and affiliated mosques for more efficient and targeted distribution. Menag added that the waste from the sacrifice would be repurposed as fertilizer, with the committee promptly cleaning up animal waste.

The mosque reported receiving 64 cows and 13 goats for the sacrifice. Menag also extended Eid al-Adha greetings for 1447 H (2026), highlighting the festival’s emphasis on sincerity and compassion.