Despite Covid-19 threat, thousands of Muslim pilgrims gather in Indonesia


JAKARTA/KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) Thousands of Muslim pilgrims from across Asia gathered in Indonesia on Wednesday (March 18), despite fears that their meeting could fuel the spread of a coronavirus, just two weeks after a similar event in Malaysia caused more than 500 infections.

Organisers and regional officials said the event in the world's fourth most populous nation had begun, although the regional police chief said he was making a last ditch-effort to persuade organisers to call it off.

Subscribe now for a chance to win your dream holiday!

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Indonesia , Muslims , Gathering , Tabligh

   

Next In Regional

Police deploy 1,250 officers for King's installation
Nato moving into Indo-Pacific?
A grand pirouette - An increasing number of middle-aged, elderly women in Japan are taking Ballet classes
Malaysian injured by falling concrete in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui
Python swallows woman whole in Indonesia
Malaysia needs time to study Asean joint visa proposal, says Home Minister
Mt Ruang: Last eruptions before Wednesday occurred in 2002, 1949
Thailand drops joint patrols with Chinese police after public backlash
Cops on the hunt for cable thieves in Ayer Hitam
Najib wanted to answer questions on money laundering in court, says investigating officer

Others Also Read