Joyful aidiladha celebrations in Indonesia, communal spirit at embassy deepens brotherhood

JAKARTA: Millions of Muslims across Indonesia performed the Aidiladha prayers at mosques and open spaces on Friday (June 6), followed by the ritual animal sacrifice (qurban) and distribution of meat to the needy-symbolising sincerity, compassion, and social responsibility.

President Prabowo Subianto also joined the congregational Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Istiqlal in central Jakarta, alongside former Vice President Jusuf Kalla, heads of state institutions, ambassadors, and cabinet ministers on Friday morning.

He devoutly participated in the full series of worship at South-East Asia’s largest mosque, which was packed with hundreds of thousands of worshippers.

Meanwhile, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka performed his prayers at Masjid Sheikh Zayed in Solo, central Java.

As a sign of devotion, both Prabowo and Gibran donated sacrificial cows weighing 1.25 tonnes and 1.1 tonnes respectively to Masjid Istiqlal’s qurban committee, to be slaughtered on Saturday (tomorrow).

In addition, Prabowo purchased 985 cows from 573 local breeders across various districts to be distributed to mosques in all 38 provinces and 514 regencies or cities nationwide.

“Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha 1446H. May this sacred day continue to strengthen brotherhood, foster solidarity, and serve as a foundation for building Indonesia with unity and devotion,” Prabowo wrote on his X account.

For hundreds of Malaysians in Jakarta, this year’s Aidiladha celebration was not only about fulfilling a religious obligation but also evoked memories of festive moments back home.

At the Malaysian Embassy in South Jakarta, more than 400 guests gathered for prayers, followed by the slaughtering of three cows and 16 goats, and Friday prayers.

“This sense of togetherness rekindles the spirit of gotong-royong (communal cooperation), even though far from our homeland,” said Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin.

The event proceeded smoothly from early morning, with all preparations completed before Friday prayers, followed by a communal feast and distribution of qurban meat to the Malaysian community and nearby residents.

“Alhamdulillah, everything went well, thanks to the collaboration of embassy officials, staff, the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to Asean, and Malaysians celebrating Aidiladha,” he added. – Bernama