Use of loudspeakers in mosques
Use of loudspeakers in mosques
Recently, The Jakarta Post reprinted a letter from Republika in its letters section. In the letter, signed by a "Faithful Moslem in Depok," the writer complained that the noise coming from loudspeakers was making him feel "distant from the mosque". Perhaps this is what was meant by the writer of the Javanese Wedatama, who wrote cynically about people busily showing off at the mosque. The author of this text went on to write that people who are true in their worship are tuman tumanem ing sepi (grounded in stillness, quiet worship and meditation).
Bearing in mind that Indonesia is a country which is supposed to be governed by laws, perhaps it is relevant to point out some of the rules regarding the use of mosque loudspeakers. Then perhaps our friends in Depok and others, in a polite manner either by themselves or through their RT (community chief) can remind the mosque caretakers of their obligation to follow rules laid out so that we all might live together harmoniously. For this reason, perhaps we can quote from a letter published by this newspaper.
"Instruction No. Kep/D/101/1071 dated June 17, 1978, issued by the Directorate General of Islamic Religion of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, regulates the use of loudspeakers in mosques, mushala, and langgar...
* The sound channeled through loudspeakers is for the adzan (call to prayer).
* Koran reciting and predawn sermons are meant only for the jemaat (congregation) inside the places of worship and not for the entire, surrounding community.
* The volume of the loudspeakers must be set in such a way that it produces pleasant sounds and so avoids unpleasant noises.
* During Ramadhan (fasting month) loudspeakers, positioned outward, can be used between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. for tadarrus (announcements).
* On the eve of Idul Fitri/Idul Adha (takbiran), loudspeakers may be turned outwards.
Discipline as well as good understanding of these instructions are essential, as well as practical, for living in our complex society."
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