Muslims gathered to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, on Wednesday, 10 April 2024. The congregation took place on the main road in front of the Koinonia Protestant Church, located along Jalan Jatinegara Barat and Jalan Matraman Raya.
Photos released by Antara showed large numbers of worshippers filling the street and surrounding the church building. The congregation extended across both sides of the road due to limited space in nearby prayer areas.
The Koinonia Protestant Church stood adjacent to the prayer site during the event. The building, which dates back to the late 19th century, remained visible in the background as worshippers carried out the Eid prayers.
Annual Tradition in the Area
According to local information, the use of the road near the church for Eid prayers has become a regular occurrence in Jatinegara. Residents have continued the practice each year during both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Local Muslims typically gather on both sides of the church to perform prayers in congregation. The arrangement allows the community to accommodate large numbers of worshippers during major Islamic holidays.
No official statements were issued in the available information regarding the organisation of this year’s event. However, the continuation of the practice reflects a long-standing pattern in the area.
Historic Background of Koinonia Church
The Koinonia Protestant Church is one of the historic churches in Jakarta. It was established in 1889 during the Dutch East Indies period under the name “Bethelkerk”.
In 1948, the church was transferred to the Protestant Church in Western Indonesia and renamed GPIB Jemaat Bethel. Its name was later changed to GPIB Jemaat Koinonia on 1 January 1961.
The building features Neo-Gothic architectural elements, including exposed red brick walls and a prominent bell tower. The structure has remained intact for more than a century.
Today, the church is designated as a cultural heritage site and is protected by the government. It has been part of Jakarta’s historical landscape for over 130 years and continues to serve the Christian community in the city.
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