Indonesia expects 100,000 people at Independence prayer gathering

hartono · Jul 31, 2026

Indonesia expects 100,000 people at Independence prayer gathering

Director of Islamic Religious Information at the Religious Affairs Ministry Muchlis M. Hanafi. /ANTARA/HO-Kemenag.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs estimates the national prayer gathering scheduled for August 1 will attract 100,000 participants from various regions to Jakarta’s National Monument square.

“We appeal to participants to arrive early to avoid congestion before the event begins,” the ministry’s Director of Islamic Religious Information Muchlis M. Hanafi remarked in Jakarta on Friday.

He noted that the ministry had taken various measures to prepare for the large turnout, including coordinating with relevant institutions to ensure safety, order, and solemnity during the event, which will kick off a series of activities marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day anniversary.

As the organizer, the ministry has focused on key aspects of the preparations over the past few days, including accessibility, security, medical services, transportation, and other technical matters.

“We continue to handle all operational aspects in close coordination with the State Secretariat Ministry, the National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Jakarta provincial government, and all elements of the organizing committee,” Hanafi said.

He added that the committee had prepared supporting facilities, including the main stage, sound system, health and security posts, and an information center, while arranging transportation to ensure the smooth movement of participants from Jakarta, Banten, and West Java.

The official also urged participants to remain disciplined by arriving on time at designated gathering points and following instructions from their group coordinators.

He encouraged those wishing to join the congregational Maghrib prayer to bring their own prayer mats, avoid carrying excessive personal belongings, and comply with security screening procedures before entering the venue.

“The national dhikr and prayer event is a momentum for all elements of the nation to gather and begin the Independence Day celebrations by expressing gratitude to God,” he said.

On that note, Hanafi called on participants to follow official directions regarding entry, assembly, and evacuation points while helping maintain cleanliness, order, and comfort throughout the event.