President Jokowi Bars Gov’t Officials from Having Iftar Gathering

President Joko Widodo (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered Government officials not to have iftar (breaking-of-the-fast) gatherings.

The President has also underscored that the order does not apply to the general public.

“The order to not have iftar gatherings only applies to Government officials, especially coordinating ministers, ministers, and heads of non-ministerial Government agencies, not to the general public. Once again, it is not for the general public,” he said in his press statement at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday (03/27).

The President pointed out that the order was issued due to the intense public scrutiny on the lives of Government officials while urging them to prioritize modesty in welcoming the fasting month of Ramadan.

“I urge all Government officials to welcome this year’s fasting month with the spirit of modesty, not lavishness,” he said while also urging them to reallocate iftar gathering budget for more useful activities, such as social assistance distribution and cheap market operation.

“We should help those who are in need, give donation to the poor, give donation to orphans and people who are truly in need. The budget can also be used to hold cheap market events for the people,” he remarked. (MAY/UN) (DH/LW)