This Friday, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid Al-Adha, or the day of sacrifice, which is traditionally marked with a mass prayer, followed by an animal sacrifice done right after. In the midst of the pandemic, as with Idul Fitri, there will be adjustments that need to be done. The Jakarta administration has called on Muslims living in Jakarta’s 33 red zones to avoid public mass prayers and gatherings, and stay at home instead. A list of the zones can be found here. 

Speaking of fighting the virus, Indonesia is set to move into the front of countries pursuing a vaccine against the coronavirus with the launch of phase 3 clinical trials set to be launched next week in Bandung, West Java. Developed by Chinese biopharmaceutical company, Sinovac Biotech, the vaccine is only one of five out of the 166 candidates that have reached this stage, as reported by VOA news. the clinical trial is scheduled to run for six months and will be completed by January 2021. 

Our tourism industry, however, might not want to wait that long; Hotel associations in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines are advocating a start to intra-ASEAN travel to boost regional tourism, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Jakarta Post reports. While the possibility of opening borders for tourism is likely still months away, each country is starting to open up travel and hospitality services for domestic tourists.

What do you think about this initiative? Do you think it’s a good idea? Drop us a line!

While you’re here if you’re craving to get back into some buffet action check out our list of buffet restaurants that are back open with strict social distancing and health measures.

We’d also like to wish all our Muslim readers a peaceful and safe Idul Adha. May your family has blessed your hearts full, despite the troubling time that is upon us. And don’t forget to enjoy the weekend!

Until next time,
Cheers,

Jessica Januarty
Chief Operating Officer
Jessica@whatsnewindonesia.com