Religious Affairs Minister Ensures Environmentally Friendly Sacrificial Slaughter at Istiqlal Mosque

As of 25 May, Istiqlal Mosque has received 59 cattle and seven goats for sacrifice, with numbers expected to increase until Tasyrik days. Minister of Religious Affairs and Chief Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar, confirmed the sacrificial slaughter at the largest mosque in Southeast Asia will be conducted hygienically without polluting rivers or the surrounding environment.

“No blood or waste will enter the river. All processes are prepared with a good management system,” said Nasaruddin Umar in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Istiqlal Mosque has modern and hygienic slaughter facilities with high capacity. Slaughter processes can be conducted at multiple points simultaneously, with the capacity to handle up to 200 animals per day.

The Minister confirmed all slaughter waste is properly managed to prevent pollution around the mosque.

Nasaruddin said the Idul Adha 1447 AH / 2026 CE celebrations at Istiqlal Mosque will feature the theme ‘Sacrifice Spirit: Caring for Nature and Humanity’. This aligns with the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ major themes on eco-theology and theology of love.

He hopes the theme will inspire imams and the Indonesian Muslim community to strengthen environmental and humanitarian concerns through the sacrifice ritual.

The Minister urged worshippers to maintain cleanliness in the mosque area by taking their trash home or disposing of it in designated bins.

“Istiqlal Mosque recently received a global award for being effective, efficient, orderly, and clean. We must all preserve this,” he said.

“Today, we have collected 59 cattle, all of high quality, including special ones from the President, Vice President, and various community figures. As for goats, seven have been received so far,” said the Minister.