Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla held a closed meeting to discuss the fulfillment of basic needs during the fasting month and Eid Al Fitr day in 2017.

"In todays meeting, we discussed the preparations for Eid Al Fitr this year. It is good that we start the preparations 2.5 months ahead of the Ramadhan month to be better prepared for Eid Al Fitr celebration," Jokowi said during his opening remark at the meeting here on Monday.

Several government officers, namely Economic Coordinating Minister Darmin Nasution, the Maritime Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, the Human and Culture Development Coordinating Minister Puan Maharani, and the Financial Minister Sri Mulyani, attended the meeting.

Additionally, the Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, the Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, the State Secretary Minister Pratikno, as well as the Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung also attended the meeting held at the Presidents Office in Jakarta.

According to the president, the government should also prepare transportation facility and infrastructure as well as security protection.

"I hope the initial preparations for Ramadhan month will result in better situation. We hope that everyone can take part in the Muslim fasting in a safe and pleasant condition," Jokowi added.

Besides, the security officers who attended the meeting also included the Indonesian Military Commander General (TNI) Gatot Nurmantyo and the Indonesian Police Chief General (Pol) Tito Karnavian, as well as the Head of State Intelligence Service Agency Commissioner General Budi Gunawan.

The fasting month of Ramadhan will start in the end of May and end in June 2017.

The government plans to prepare the fulfillment of basic needs to avoid the rise in prices of food and other basic necessities.

The government will also prepare the transportation sector as most of the people travel home to celebrate the Eid Al Fitr day.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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