Jakarta – The Jakarta Cathedral canceled three morning masses to allow Muslims to perform Ied prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque, which is located just across the street.
The cathedral usually allocates its main yard as parking lot for those who pray at Istiqlal during Idul Fitri every year.
However, as this year's celebration falls on a Sunday, the church decided to cancel three Sunday morning masses at 6 a.m., 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. to provide the parking spaces to Muslims.
"We understood that Muslims had to perform the prayer at the same time, whereas we can celebrate the mass several times on Sunday," Jakarta Cathedral parish head Rudi Hartoko said on Sunday.
"[This is] living side by side in harmony and in sincerity as fellow Indonesians, respecting each other and enjoying this holy day."
Following the morning cancellation, the Cathedral listed its Sunday masses for June 25 at 10 a.m., 12 noon, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cathedral congregation member Anggakusuma, 28, said he welcomed the decision even though he and his sister planned to attend the morning mass. The two left Bekasi, West Java, at 7 a.m. to join the 9 a.m. mass.
"I hope we can maintain this kind of religious tolerance. We can't create harmony between religions if we refrain from helping others from different religions to exercise their faiths." Anggakusuma said. (hol/tas)