Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on Iftar Gathering Ban for Government at Merdeka Palace, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, March 27, 2023

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Indonesians,

Concerning the iftar gathering ban for Government officials, I need to inform you that first, 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. I need to issue this order due to the intense public scrutiny on the lives of our [Government] officials.

Therefore, I order all Government officials to welcome this year’s fasting month with the spirit of modesty, not lavishness, and to reallocate the budget that is usually used for iftar gathering and to use it for more useful activities. 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.

That concludes my statement.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

(DH/LW)