Why Istiqlal Mosque No Longer Distributes Sacrificial Meat Directly

Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta has ceased direct individual distribution of sacrificial meat this year. All sacrificial animal distributions are now handled through verified partners, including affiliated mosques and civil society organisations. ‘There is no individual distribution of animals here,’ said Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar at the mosque in Central Jakarta on Thursday (28 May). According to Nasaruddin, the committee received around 750 requests for sacrificial meat from various institutions this year, though not all were fulfilled. Priority recipients include Istiqlal-affiliated mosques and musallas, orphanages, elderly homes, Islamic boarding schools, religious study groups, local residents, Islamic mass organisations, and mosque staff. ‘We definitely have priorities,’ Nasaruddin stated. Iduladha Committee Chairman Mas’ud Halimin explained the decision to stop direct individual distribution was to avoid crowds at Istiqlal, as allowing individuals to collect meat would make it impossible to limit visitors, leading to excessive congestion. ‘Firstly, to avoid crowds at Istiqlal because if we distribute directly to individuals, we cannot restrict the public coming here, which could cause extreme crowding,’ he said. He noted past experiences of overcrowding during direct meat distributions. Distribution is now scheduled and handled by confirmed recipient organisations. ‘We have organised distribution by shift schedules,’ Halimin added. He believes distribution via organisations broadens the reach of recipients, as the meat is not only for those near Istiqlal but also for communities across various regions. ‘The reach of sacrificial meat now extends beyond Istiqlal’s immediate vicinity to wider communities,’ Halimin said. He stressed that meat is still distributed to the public, but the mechanism is no longer individual at the mosque premises. ‘We no longer distribute individually but through organisations. Those with congregations, communities, or distribution channels receive the meat,’ he said.