Many Indonesian Muslims celebrated this year’s Idul Fitri under a very different vibe from previous years because of the COVID-19 epidemic over the last two months.

While some Muslims in safe “green zones” like Tegal, Central Java, were still able to attend the congregational Idul Fitri prayer on the first morning of the holiday, those in “red zones” like Jakarta and East Java worshiped at home.

Most Muslims were also unable to hold the traditional family reunion during Idul Fitri because of the social restrictions and the mudik (exodus) travel ban imposed to prevent the further spread of the disease. So this year, they held virtual reunions using video communication apps on their smartphones or through video conferences on their computers.

It has been a rough couple of months for all Indonesians, and it can only be hoped that all holidaymakers – not just Muslims – adhered to the emergency health measures to prevent the emergence of new infection clusters after Idul Fitri.

Out of the ordinary: Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta is unusually empty during this year’s Idul Fitri celebration on Sunday. Thousands of Muslims ordinarily gather at the mosque for Idul Fitri prayers, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual event was cancelled. (JP/Donny Fernando)

Before and after: The main street in front of Jamik Mosque in Malang, East Java, is deserted on Sunday, a stark contrast from an image captured of the same street during a previous year’s Idul Fitri celebration. (JP/Aman Rochman)

Family bonding: Two men and a young girl ride a motorcycle to attend Idul Fitri prayers amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Bekasi, West Java, on Sunday. (Reuters/Willy Kurniawan)

Pray at home: A family takes part in Idul Fitri prayers in front of their home in Sentul, West Java, on May Sunday. (JP/Seto Wardhana)

Giving thanks: A young man shows his respect to an older community member during an Idul Fitri celebration at the Jami’ Al-Makmur mosque in Leuwinanggung, Depok, West Java, on Suday. (JP/P.J. Leo)

New normal: Residents of a rooming house in Jakarta take part in a video call with their family members after Idul Fitri prayers on Sunday, in line with large-scale social restriction (PSBB) measures that require them to avoid large crowds. (Reuters/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana)

Selflessness: Medical workers who treat COVID-19 patients in Tangerang, Banten, enjoy a special Idul Fitri lunch break on Sunday. (AFP/Fajrin Raharjo)