Ministry of Religious Affairs Prepares Migrant-Friendly Mosques at 62 Locations in Riau Islands

Tanjungpinang — The Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) in Riau Islands province has established 62 migrant-friendly mosques ahead of the Eid al-Fitr exodus for the year 1447 Hijriah/2026.

Ahmad Husein, Head of Islamic Community Guidance at Kemenag’s Riau Islands Regional Office, stated that this national programme, branded “Menyala” (an acronym meaning Enjoyable, Comfortable, Safe and Smooth), aims to optimise mosques’ function as public service spaces and rest areas for travellers undertaking the Eid exodus.

“The objective is to ensure migrant travellers can rest comfortably, worship peacefully, and continue their journey in a refreshed and safe condition,” Husein said in Tanjungpinang on Thursday.

Through this initiative, Kemenag has established service standards at each location, including safe prayer areas and parking, clean toilets and ablution facilities, device charging stations, dedicated rest areas, and complimentary water and light refreshments.

Titik Hindon, Chair of the Islamic Community Guidance and Development Team at Kemenag’s Riau Islands office, explained that the Migrant-Friendly Mosque programme will run from 11 to 29 March 2026.

“These mosques are prepared as alternative rest areas. The hope is that migrant travellers can stop briefly to avoid chronic fatigue whilst driving,” she said.

Hindon added that the complete list of 62 Migrant-Friendly Mosque locations throughout Riau Islands can be found on the official Instagram account @kemenag_kepri. The programme’s launch ceremony was held at Bukit Indah Sukajadi Mosque in Batam city on Wednesday (11 March).