Mak Meugang/Meat Days in Aceh, Tradition Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

Aceh is one of the provinces in Indonesia. The uniquely, that area located at the tip of Sumatra island has a diverse tradition. One of them is "Mak Meugang" [Meat day]. The tradition is usually carried out on each of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Within a year we carry out this tradition for 3 times.

Pandemic covid-19 has spread to all regions in Indonesia, including the Aceh province. At least, according to local government records there are 1,550 people in the watch of [ODP] mentioned by the authorities. They consist of Aceh residents who previously traveled outside the region and abroad. One person was dead and positive Covid-19. Now there are 6 patients whose are positive and are still undergoing treatment at the regional hospital.

Long before this pandemic came, Aceh was once a war zone, conflict between the Indonesian government and the rebels brought the people to the brink of misery. Added the Tsunami disaster that rolled up the human race in Aceh and became an international disaster at that time. Even so, these two occurrence did not prevent the people of Aceh from carrying out the ''Mak Meugang'' tradition.

Now the situation is different, Pandemic Covid-19 has isolated our tradition, not as did in ceremonial as last year. The "Mak Meugang" tradition is still carried out. It's just that with strict regulations, there is no activity in the meat market.

Butchers are encouraged to do activities in their respective villages. This is a kind of protocol required by the Government in realizing the safe conditions of tradition in the midst of pandemic periode.

Even though it looks blumbing, our community follows the government's appeal. at least in order to remain safe and tradition must also be implemented.

Pandemic covid-19 is unable to stem the tradition that has existed since hundreds of years ago, "Mak Meugang" days continues to run as usual, only given reasonable limits by the local Government. Today was in a little day, tommorrow the second Mak Meugang days, It's to be two days in held it tradition. as the community I am hopely that be right in Aceh after the tradition day goes on..