Jokowi Bans Officials From Iftar Together, Here's Sandiaga's Response

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. Photo: Doc. Kemenparekraf

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) issued a directive so that all state officials do not hold iftar events together during the holy month of Ramadan 1444 Hijri.

The directive is contained in a letter with a letter letter from the Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia Number R38/Seskab/DKK/03/2023 dated March 21, 2023.

Responding to this, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno also supported this. Because, according to him, the ban is a reminder for officials to do good things in this month of Ramadan.

"In fact, this invitation is for us to show concern in the holy month of Ramadan, so if there is a budget that has been set aside, let us give it to those who really need it, the poor, the poor, orphans, who need to be facilitated to break the fast together, we are very supportive," Sandiaga said at The Weekly Brief with Sandi Uno in Jakarta, Monday, March 27.

Regarding this, Sandiaga even reminded his staff at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy to increase empathy in this month of Ramadan.

"At this morning's rapim (leader meeting), I conveyed to all ranks, please we have empathy, look back at our daily activities whether anyone offends other people or feels "shower of power, show off wealth", while our services are not too optimal," he said.

Therefore, he continued, the prohibition of breaking the fast together must be used as a moment to improve oneself, especially in terms of serving the community.

"The prohibition of breaking the fast together is a reminder for us to continue to uphold a simple lifestyle and provide the best for our duties and functions, namely public services and economic revival, as well as creating business opportunities and employment opportunities for our society," he concluded.