Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Indonesia, Malaysia after COVID-19

Muslims gather in Indonesia and Malaysia to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the “festival of breaking the fast” after the holy month of Ramadan.

Muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia have gathered in large groups to usher in the Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. previous celebrations shortened.

In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, hundreds of worshipers turned out for morning prayers at the historic port of Sunda Kelapa in North Jakarta on Saturday to mark the end of Ramadan.

“I am very happy that we are now free (from COVID curbs), ” 35-year-old Laila, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told Reuters news agency.

Another worshiper, 30-year-old Adit Chandra, said: “I hope things get better from now on and we can get together with our families after the last three years of not being able to return to our hometown.”

Chandra is among more than 120 million Indonesians — nearly half of the country’s population — who plan to travel from major urban centers to their hometowns for Eid al-Fitr. The figure represents about 44 percent more than the number of people who traveled during celebrations last year, the government said.

In neighboring Malaysia, devotees also celebrated with families.

“We can visit the extended family, and do so without feeling suspicious… during the pandemic, we were careful,” said Khairul Soryati, a 39-year-old resident of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Muhd Nur Afham, 31, who works in Singapore, said he was finally able to celebrate with family in Malaysia this year after being unable to travel during the pandemic.

“I’m thankful… the last time we met via video call only,” he said.

However, authorities in both countries have urged the public to remain cautious amid reports of rising COVID cases.