"(The president) continues to monitor the situation in the country, especially regarding homecoming," Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media Secretariat of the President Bey Machmudin noted in a text message to journalists here on Thursday.
"Hence, even though he is on holiday, the president is still communicating with his ministers, so they can give directions or request reports," he noted further.
Jokowi is scheduled to celebrate Eid 2023 in Surakarta City, Central Java, with his family. Currently, Jokowi is already in that city.
Machmudin noted that in Surakarta, President Jokowi was only accompanied by limited number of officers. The head of state urged the palace staff to go home and celebrate Eid with their families.
Jokowi called on ministers to make the most of the 2023 Eid momentum to gather with family, both in Jakarta and in their hometowns. Hence, Jokowi did not hold an open house.
"It is because there are no restrictions on community activities (PPKM). Hence, it is not mandatory to meet with the president on Eid 2023," he stated.
Related news: Eid exodus running well: Minister
Machmudin said the president understands that ministers would want to meet up with their families after facing difficulties to get together in the last three years.
"The president understands that ministers have families and relatives they have not seen for a long time," Machmudin stated.
He noted that in Surakarta, President Jokowi was not accompanied by State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung or Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko.
These officials usually accompany the president during his out-of-town visits.
"Each of them celebrates Eid with their families," Machmudin remarked.
This year, homecoming is permitted after the revocation of the PPKM status.
The government estimates that the number of travelers will increase by 45 percent to 123 million travelers during Eid 2023 as compared to 86 million travelers in 2022.
Related news: President Jokowi wants palace staff celebrate Eid with their families
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Translator: Indra Arief Pribadi, Katriana
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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