Deputy Chairperson of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Fadel Muhammad regretted President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who chose to perform the 2022 Eid prayer in Yogyakarta today, Monday (2/5).
According to Fadel, Jokowi should pray at the Istiqlal Mosque, Central Jakarta, which is located in the nation’s capital.
“I think it’s really good [di Istiqlal, Jakarta]. But it has happened, God willing, in the future. Because this is the capital city,” Fadel told reporters at the Istiqlal Mosque, Monday (2/2).
Fadel believes that there is nothing wrong with praying in Yogyakarta. However, according to him, Jokowi’s absence in Jakarta during the big day makes people wonder.
He claimed that he had received complaints over Jokowi’s absence at the Istiqlal Mosque. Fadel said many residents expressed disappointment.
In addition, he said, this year was the first year Eid al-Fitr prayers were held at the Istiqlal Mosque after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“‘Why doesn’t the president hold Eid in the capital when this is the first time it’s been opened in two years.’ I said I don’t know either,” he said.
“This is a good momentum. But yes, we really have no communication with the president. Many are disappointed,” he added.
In addition, Fadel also mentioned that many ministers were not present at the Istiqlal Mosque because Jokowi was not there.
“Because the president wasn’t there, the chairman of the MPR left too. Everyone left. Everyone should focus on the Istiqlal Mosque. [pejabat] all here, “he said.
This year, Jokowi performed the Eid prayer 1 Syawal 1443 Hijriah in the courtyard of the Agung Building, Yogyakarta Presidential Palace.
The prayer was held in a limited manner and was attended by the presidential apparatus, Paspampres, and the families of Yogyakarta Palace employees.
(yla/agn)
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