Used Condoms Litter Lot Near Cirebon Mosque, Suspected Prostitution Site

A mosque in Cirebon, Indonesia, reportedly a city asset, is in a state of neglect, with used condoms found scattered in an adjacent empty lot. The Al-Hidayah Mosque, located behind the Harjamukti Terminal, appears deserted and poorly maintained, with dry leaves and trash littering its grounds.

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I, as a resident of Cirebon City, really ask for help from the Cirebon City Government.

Hera Damayanti, a local resident, voiced her dismay at the mosque's condition. She appealed to the Cirebon City government for attention and assistance, acknowledging potential budget constraints for renovations. "Please provide easy access. Don't make it difficult," she urged, hoping the government would facilitate public or private sector involvement in the mosque's upkeep.

The mosque's caretaker, Riza (36), has served voluntarily for 13 years. He cleans the mosque every morning before working as a motorcycle taxi driver to earn a living, as he receives no salary for his caretaker duties. "It's not that it's neglected. I clean it as much as possible every morning, sweeping and mopping. If it's dirty in the afternoon or evening, I go out to drive my taxi," he explained.

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Please provide easy access. Don't make it difficult.

Riza noted that the mosque was busier when the Harjamukti Terminal was operational. Since the terminal's closure, the mosque has become quiet, further exacerbated by difficult access. While five daily prayers continue with few attendees, the mosque sees more people only on Fridays for congregational prayers. The mosque has a DKM (Dewan Kemakmuran Masjid) structure, reportedly linked to the Transportation Agency.

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It's not that it's neglected. I clean it as much as possible every morning, sweeping and mopping. If it's dirty in the afternoon or evening, I go out to drive my taxi.