Muslims gathered to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The congregation took place on the main road in front of the Koinonia Protestant Church, located along Jalan Jatinegara Barat and Jalan Matraman Raya.
Annual Tradition
The use of the road near the church for Eid prayers has become a regular occurrence in Jatinegara, continuing each year during both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Local Muslims typically gather on both sides of the church to accommodate large numbers of worshippers during major Islamic holidays.
Historic Church
The Koinonia Protestant Church, established in 1889 during the Dutch East Indies period under the name “Bethelkerk,” is a designated cultural heritage site protected by the government. It has been part of Jakarta’s historical landscape for over 130 years and continues to serve the Christian community.
Photos released by Antara showed large numbers of worshippers filling the street and surrounding the church building. The congregation extended across both sides of the road due to limited space in nearby prayer areas. No official statements were issued regarding the organization of this year’s event, but the practice reflects a long-standing pattern in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Eid al-Fitr prayers take place?
The prayers took place on the main road in front of the Koinonia Protestant Church in Jatinegara, East Jakarta.
How long has this practice been occurring?
According to local information, the use of the road near the church for Eid prayers has been a regular occurrence for many years, continuing each year during both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
When was the Koinonia Protestant Church originally established?
The Koinonia Protestant Church was established in 1889 during the Dutch East Indies period under the name “Bethelkerk.”
As this tradition continues, it will be interesting to observe how the community adapts to potential growth in attendance and maintains this visible display of interfaith harmony.
