Indonesian Muslims pray for peace on Eid al-Adha as Middle East conflict weighs on economy

Muslims across Indonesia gathered at mosques on Wednesday (May 27) to mark Eid al-Adha with communal prayers and animal sacrifices, with many worshippers expressing concern over rising prices and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

At the Al-Azhar Mosque in Jakarta, men knelt on prayer mats in coordinated rows as cows and goats awaited slaughter in the compound, a ritual commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to obey God. Some worshippers said the number of sacrificial animals appeared lower this year, which they attributed to economic hardship and global uncertainty.

"My hope for us as the Indonesian nation is that we will all be peaceful, because it has a huge influence and a big impact on our economic situation, including other countries too," said Oriyanto, a 52-year-old worshipper at the mosque.

Following prayers, volunteers distributed sacrificial meat to those in need — a practice central to the festival's emphasis on charity — while worshippers also voiced solidarity with Muslims in Gaza and Iran, expressing hopes for peace.

Production: Yuddy Cahya Budiman, Johan Purnomo, Heru Asprihanto/Reuters