Why Istiqlal Is No Longer Distributing Qurban Meat Directly This Year?
Masjid Istiqlal in Central Jakarta is no longer distributing qurban meat directly to individuals this year. All qurban distribution is handled through verified partners such as affiliated mosques and social organisations.
“We no longer distribute animals individually here,” said Grand Imam of Masjid Istiqlal, Nasaruddin Umar, at the mosque in Central Jakarta on Thursday (28/5).
According to Nasaruddin, the committee received around 750 requests for qurban meat from various institutions this year, though not all were fulfilled. Priority recipients include Istiqlal-affiliated mosques and musallas, orphanages, nursing homes, Islamic boarding schools, religious study groups, local residents near Istiqlal, Islamic mass organisations, and mosque staff.
“We definitely have priorities,” Nasaruddin stated.
Iduladha Committee Chairman Mas’ud Halimin explained the decision to eliminate direct individual distribution was to avoid crowds at the mosque.
“Firstly, to prevent overcrowding at Istiqlal because if we distribute directly to individuals, we can’t limit the public coming here, which would cause massive congestion,” Mas’ud said.
He noted Istiqlal had previously experienced negative incidents due to large crowds during direct meat distribution. Therefore, distribution is now scheduled by shift and collected by confirmed recipient organisations.
“We’ve organised the distribution by time slots. It’s shift-based,” he added.
Mas’ud highlighted that distribution via institutions broadens the reach of beneficiaries, extending beyond the immediate vicinity of Istiqlal to communities in various regions.
“The reach of the qurban meat isn’t just for those around Istiqlal but for a wider community,” Mas’ud said.
He emphasised that meat is still being distributed to the public, but the mechanism is no longer individual handouts at the mosque premises.
“We don’t distribute directly to individuals, but through institutions. Those with congregations, communities, and the ones who channel the distribution,” Mas’ud stated.