Religious Harmony: Good Friday and Friday Prayers Proceed Safely in Jakarta

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Catholic worshippers carried out Good Friday services at Jakarta Cathedral peacefully, even as they coincided with Friday prayers at Istiqlal Mosque on Friday (3/4/2026). These services, divided into three sessions, highlight the harmony among religious communities in the capital. The first session began at 12:00 WIB and was led by Father Yusup Wdi Muljono, SJ. The second session was held in a hybrid format at 15:00 WIB, led by Father Macarius Maharsono Probho, SJ, while the third session took place at 18:00 WIB, led by Father Yohanes Deodatus, SJ. Although the first session overlapped with the time for Friday prayers, Catholic worshippers felt safe and calm in conducting their services. Nata assessed that the smooth running of the Good Friday services alongside Friday prayers serves as evidence that religious tolerance in Jakarta is functioning well. Baharudin (35), a resident who was about to perform Friday prayers at Istiqlal, felt similarly. “Yes, it’s still safe, pleasant, because we’re all worshipping, looking out for each other and staying orderly,” he said when met by Kompas.com at the location on Friday. For Baharudin, mutual respect among religious communities is the key to ensuring that each group’s worship can proceed smoothly, even when held simultaneously. “It’s proof that tolerance is really good; there’s no one who’s absolutely right or wrong, everyone sticks to their own beliefs,” he explained.