Puan: Even Though There Is An Election Agenda, Christmas And New Year's Holidays Must Remain Optimal

Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani. Photo: Kresno/nr

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, highlighted the role of the government in maintaining services during the 2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year holidays. Despite being at the moment of the 2024 General Election stage, Puan reminded the public that services must remain optimal.

"Although we are currently on the ongoing agenda of the 2024 General Election, the Government must be able to provide optimal service to residents during Christmas 2023 and year-end holidays so that people can welcome the new year 2024 comfortably," said Puan, Tuesday, December 12.

As is known, the Government through SKB 3 Ministerial Decree stipulates a joint Christmas leave on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. Meanwhile, the New Year holiday falls on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Thus, the public can enjoy the long holiday. Puan also reminded the government to prepare for anticipation of congestion with community mobilization during the year-end holidays.

"Floit moments are usually used to travel to various tourist attractions or visit relatives who are outside the city. Make sure there are no congestion points that may disturb the community," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan also reminded tourist attractions will be people's favorite destinations in spending their vacation time with family. For this reason, he encourages the Government to ensure that it provides the best service for the community, especially those who want to travel.

"Local governments must also be able to maximize services by increasing the number of officers at crowded points for the smooth running of people's holidays," said Puan.

In addition, the first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives encourages the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) to anticipate safety when people visit tourist destinations. Puan emphasized the importance of collaboration between relevant stakeholders, including security forces.

"The government must ensure that every tourist attraction checks procedures, checks infrastructure, and ensures that security and comfort are guaranteed for visitors," he explained.

In addition, Puan again reminded the importance of health services being provided at every crowded point. Given, currently cases of the spread of the Covid-19 virus are increasing.

"In addition to security in terms of infrastructure, it is also important to ensure the availability of equitable health service facilities in every crowded place," said Puan.

Puan also supports the Government's plan to prepare the possibility of giving the third COVID-19 booster vaccination or the fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The second 'Covid-19 booster can reduce the spread of the virus during long holidays which allows for high mobility of the community, including congestion in several crowded centers,' said Bung Karno's grandson.

Puan understands that currently the stages of the general election are getting denser, which makes the government and security forces have to share concentrations. However, he reminded that the main priority is the comfort and safety of the community.

"Although busy with elections, the government and officials should not neglect to provide the best service for residents," he concluded.