"Urging governors, head of districts, and mayors, to not host group iftar event during Ramadan 1444 Hijri for all regional officials and all staff at regional institutions," he said.
The minister's statement was included in the Home Affairs Ministry Circular Number100.4.4/1768/SJ, which provided details about group iftar. The circular was signed by the ministry's secretary general, Suhajar Diantoro, on Friday.
The minister made the appeal following the issuance of a directive by President Joko Widodo, which was elaborated in the cabinet secretary’s Letter Number 38/Seskab/DKK/03/2023 issued on March 21, 2023.
The letter contained some directives from President Widodo to the ministers in his cabinet, the national defense force commander, the national police chief, the attorney general, and leaders of institutions for the duration of the Islamic holy month.
The first is that currently, the nation is in the middle of a pandemic-to-endemic transition, thus caution still needs to be practiced.
Second, in relation to the transition, the activities in which people have iftar together must not be hosted during the month.
Last, the directive also applies to regional leaders.
On Thursday, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung clarified that the letter is only for state officials, and not for the general public. Hence, people are still allowed to host or participate in group iftar.
He also said that state officials are currently being heavily scrutinized by people. Thus, the President has asked state civil apparatuses to adopt a simpler way to dine and not invite high-ranking officials for iftar.
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Translator: Tri Meilani Ameliya, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
