Indonesian Minister: Tents Out-side the Church for Christmas Celebration, Must Have Police Permit

JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas issued a circular regarding the 2022 Christmas Celebration during the 2019 Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) Pandemic.

This circular, among other things, stipulates that offline Christmas services can be attended by the congregation, a maximum of 100 percent of the church's room capacity.

"The number of worshipers who take part in worship activities in the 2022 Christmas Celebration offline is a maximum of 100 percent of room capacity. The implementation still has to implement strict health protocols," explained Ministry of Religion Spokesperson Anna Hasbie in a press release, quoted , Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

Also Read: Lebak Regent Not Allowing Christmas Service in Maja District, Invites Residents to Worship in Rangkasbitung

If the congregation exceeds the maximum capacity of 100 percent, continued Anna, the committee can increase the capacity of the prayer room/number of congregations by utilizing the existing permanent space outside the main church building but inside the church complex.

Increasing the capacity of the prayer room/number of congregations by using additional/non-permanent equipment in the form of tents or other forms is adjusted to the maximum limit of the area occupied and within the church complex.

"Increasing the capacity of the prayer room/number of worshipers outside the church complex can be carried out after obtaining permission from the local regional police and coordinating with the local Covid-19 Handling Task Force," said Anna.

Also Read: Indonesian Police Special Detachment 88 Arrested 11 Terrorists in Sumatra Ahead of Christmas and New Year

Acting  Director General of Catholic Community Guidance A.M. Adiyarto Sumardjono added Circular Letter Number SE. 15 the YEAR 2022 dated December 19, 2022 was issued to provide a sense of security and comfort to the public in holding the 2022 Christmas Celebration and to prevent, mitigate and break the chain of the spread of Covid-19.

"This circular is part of the concern of the Minister of Religion so that the rights to worship Christians are still fulfilled and the Christmas worship process can run safely and comfortably," he said.

The Director General of Christian Community Guidance, Jeane Marie Tulung, conveyed the same thing. He hopes that Christians can adjust the 2022 Christmas Worship Celebration in accordance with the circular of the Minister of Religion.

Also Read: Indonesian State Intelligence Agency: Terrorism is Potential Threat for Christmas and New Year in Central Java

"Of course, it is our hope that Christians can carry out Christmas services safely, smoothly, and comfortably," said Christian Jeane Marie Tulung.