Acting Makassar Mayor M Iqbal Suhaeb (second left) checked the quarantine command post for participants of Global Ijtima, Asian Zone, at Grand Sayang Hotel in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday (ANTARA)

As many as 107 foreign participants of postponed Islamic congregation the 2020 Global Ijtima-Asian Zone, in South Sulawesi Province have reportedly returned to their countries while 350 others are still staying at a hotel pending repatriation.

"Up till now 107 participants have returned home. The remaining 350 participants are waiting for repatriation. God willing, they will be repatriated in stages. Some of them will return home tonight and tomorrow," acting Makassar Mayor M. Iqbal Suhaeb said on Saturday.

He said the local authorities have checked the condition of the foreign citizens including their health, the availability of food and drinking water and security arrangement by Indonesian police and military personnel. "Thank God their condition is relatively good," he remarked.

One of the 350 foreign participants who still stay at the hotel had diarrhea. However, a medical team has treated him, he said.

He said the foreign nationals have been isolated at the hotel to prevent them from leaving the hotel and socializing with local residents. Likewise, no local residents are allowed to enter the hotel compounds.

The 2020 Global Ijtima-Asian Zone, was postponed to combat the spread of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The decision was taken as a precautionary measure against the potential spread of COVID-19 by isolating members of the congregation for the sake of their safety and of the local residents, Gowa District Head Adnan Purichta Ichsan YL informed journalists on Thursday.

The mass gathering which had originally been planned to take place in Nirrannuang Village, Bontomarannu Sub-district, was postponed following a meeting with several members of the organizing committee and Global Ijtima-Asian Zone's advisory council.

The meeting was initiated by representatives of the Gowa District administration, local police and military, along with other related parties, including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). (ANTARA)