"This does not reflect an anti-Islamic government. All religious affairs are handled by the government," the minister said when met at the Jakarta Presidential Palace on Friday.
He further said that the President's directive regarding the prohibition of breaking the fast together has not caused controversy.
"No controversy. Who said there was controversy? There is no controversy,” he stressed.
He informed that the funds for breaking the fast, which are issued by government officials, should be given to the poor, which, in his opinion, would be more beneficial and useful.
“So, if you don't break the fast together, (the funds) can be used for compensation for the poor, for orphans, that's more useful and more useful," he said.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga, Katriana
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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