A novena prayer is held in St. Joseph Church in East Jakarta without a congregation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Photo: Katharina R. Lestari/UCA News The Jakarta Archdiocese has extended its Covid-19 emergency period for a second and indefinite time as the Indonesian government prepares to introduce new measures.
The extension from June 1 was taken by the archdiocese a few days after Jakarta authorities decided to extend lockdowns in the capital until June 4 to curb rising Covid-19 cases. “All Sunday and daily Masses, Novena and other prayers will be livestreamed on YouTube, or broadcast on television where possible,” said Fr Samuel Pangestu, the archdiocese’s vicar-general.
“All religious and pastoral activities such as Masses for neighborhood communities and meetings are cancelled.”
Similarly, Bogor Diocese in West Java province has extended its Covid-19 emergency period to June 13.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has said he will deploy 340,000 troops to enforce social distancing as the government looks to ease lockdowns.
Areas where the virus has been brought under control will be allowed to reopen.