East Java revokes permit for mass prayers in Surabaya's largest mosque

Indonesians attend Friday prayers at a mosque in Surabaya, East Java on March 27, 2020. - AFP

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/ANN): The East Java administration has revoked its permit that allowed Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya to hold Idul Fitri mass prayers following criticism from experts who warned of the consequences of opening up mosques to large crowds during the Covid-19 pandemic.

East Java provincial secretary Heru Tjahjono said the administration had sent a letter to Al Akbar Mosque, the largest mosque in the city, that annulled the permit that was signed by Heru on behalf of East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa on May 14.