COVID-19 Pandemic Still, Government Shifts National Holiday And No Christmas Holiday 2021

JAKARTA - The government has decided to change two national holidays and abolish joint leave for the celebration of the 2021 Christmas Day.

This decision was taken in accordance with the direction of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) taking into account the pandemic is still happening and to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the community.

"Mr. President has given directions for a review of the issue of public holidays and leave that has so far been included in the joint decree of the KemenPANRB, the Ministry of Manpower, and the Ministry of Religion," said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy in a press conference broadcast online, Friday, June 18.

He explained that the two holidays that were changed were the Islamic New Year 1440 Hijri holiday which fell on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, changed to Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

The Prophet's Birthday Holiday on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 was changed to Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Meanwhile, the joint holiday for Christmas Day on December 24, 2021 was abolished.

"The Christmas Day 2021 joint leave on December 24, 2021 will be abolished. Those are the three points that we have decided together by the three Ministries," said Muhadjir.

The decision was made after the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture held a meeting with three relevant ministers, namely the Minister of Manpower, the Minister of Religion, and the Minister of PAN RB. The meeting was held at the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture.