Religious Affairs Minister Meets Prabowo, Reports Takbir Night Preparations Ahead of Nyepi

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar met President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday (4 March). After the meeting, Nasaruddin said that he reported on preparations ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. In particular, the Takbir night on 19 March which coincides with Nyepi day for the Hindu community. Nasaruddin said he had coordinated with regional governments such as Bali in addressing the matter. He said the issue has been resolved, with local government leaders in Bali stating that the Takbir chants do not conflict with Nyepi. ‘Yes the Nyepi goes on, but the Takbir also goes on, just not using a sound system and limited to 06:00 to 09:00,’ Nasaruddin said. In addition, he said the meeting also discussed preparations for the Nuzulul Qur’an event. ‘Everything, I have just reported to the President to discuss preparations for Nuzulul Qur’an. So, God willing, the Qur’an Nuzul event will be held in Jakarta, precisely at the Istana Negara,’ he said. Nasaruddin said he discussed the technical aspects of the event. He stated there are several alternative venues for the event. He admitted that they had considered holding the event at IKN or Masjid Istiqlal, before finally deciding to hold it at the Istana.