Prabowo to observe Eid al-Adha in Paris, Gibran in Jakarta

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka will not perform the Eid al-Adha prayers together this year, as they are undertaking separate engagements. President Prabowo departed for France on Tuesday, May 26, for an official state visit, a trip that had been scheduled since last year.

According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Prabowo's visit to France is intended to bolster the strategic relationship between Indonesia and France, noting the existing significant cooperation in various sectors. "This state visit is expected to further strengthen Indonesia's position in Europe, particularly in France," Teddy stated. Before commencing his official schedule, President Prabowo is slated to perform the Eid al-Adha prayer and engage with Indonesian citizens residing in Paris at the Indonesian Embassy's residence.

Meanwhile, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka is scheduled to attend the Eid al-Adha prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 27. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar confirmed that while President Prabowo was initially expected to join the prayers at Istiqlal, his sudden state visit to France necessitated a change in plans. "What is certain is that the Vice President and leaders of state institutions will still carry out their Eid al-Adha worship activities at Istiqlal Mosque," Nasaruddin said.

Preparations for the prayers at Istiqlal Mosque are underway, with the area set to be sterilized from midnight on Tuesday. Visitors will be allowed to enter the mosque starting at 4:00 AM WIB. Minister Nasaruddin advised potential attendees to arrive early to avoid potential traffic congestion, a common occurrence during Eid al-Adha celebrations.