Mosques to Stay Open 24 Hours for Eid Homecoming

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued Circular Letter Number 2 of 2025, directing mosques and prayer rooms (mushalla) along major travel routes to remain open 24 hours a day.

“We want to ensure that mosques serve as a home base for travelers needing rest and worship facilities during their journey,” said the Director General of Islamic Guidance, Abu Rokhmad, as quoted on Antara, in Jakarta on Friday.

Abu explained that this policy aims to provide optimal services for homecoming travelers. In addition to round-the-clock operations, mosque administrators are encouraged to offer supporting facilities such as clean toilets, rest areas, and access to drinking water or light meals for iftar (takjil).

The Ministry also urged mosque managers to install clear location markers to make it easier for travelers to find these facilities. Abu emphasized that mosques should serve as more than just places of worship during the homecoming period; they should also function as centers of community service.

“This directive reaffirms the fundamental role of mosques as hubs for public service, especially for those undertaking long journeys,” he stated as quoted on Antara.

The Ministry further encouraged both mosque administrators and travelers to work together in maintaining cleanliness, comfort, and security within mosque and mushalla areas.

The directive will be distributed nationwide over the next two weeks, coinciding with the Ministry of Transportation’s preparations for managing holiday traffic.

“We want mosques to be both welcoming and orderly. Public participation is crucial in ensuring a comfortable experience for all,” Abu added as quoted on Antara.

With this directive, the Ministry hopes that mosque facilities will be fully utilized by travelers. Additionally, it aims to contribute to a smoother, more comfortable, and safer Eid homecoming in 2025.

NEWS