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Asian Games: Celebrating Idul Adha while on duty causes mixed feelings for volunteers
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Logo Asian Games 2018 (Courtesy of/Inasgoc)
Celebrating Idul Adha while on duty has led to mixed feelings for some volunteers in Palembang, South Sumatra.
Traditionally, Palembang residents go to the Great Mosque near the Ampera Bridge to conduct their Idul Adha prayers, which start at 7 a.m. The prayers last more than one hour.
Some volunteers, however, have to reach their venues at 7 a.m. to prepare for the first session of the day, which starts at 9 a.m. The situation has raised concerns as volunteers may not make it for prayers.
“Usually I pray with my family near the bridge. This year I hope I can pray with them again, but I’m not so sure because I have to be at the venue [when the prayers start],” said volunteer Erick Pratama, who is deployed at the main press center in Jakabaring Sport City.
Volunteers Parilah Iis and Yuni Permatasari expressed similar concerns.
An estimated 1,000 Muslim athletes and officials are staying in Palembang, South Sumatra, including during Idul Adha, which falls on Wednesday.
The Idul Adha prayers traditionally begin at 7 a.m. Some morning competitions, however, are set to start at 9 a.m. on the day.
As a solution, the organizers have rescheduled some competitions, in sepak takraw and bowling, to start at 10 a.m. The organizers have also set up a mosque and an open space near the Jakabaring athlete’s village to host the prayers. (nkn)
