Jokowi: This Year's Eid Is Different Because Of The COVID-19 Pandemic

President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana wish you Happy Eid Al-Fitr (Photo: Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said the Eid Al-Fitr this year is so different. The reason is that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic like now, people are not going home for Eid and do not stay in touch with their families as before.

"We celebrate Eid al-Fitr this time in a different way because we demand sacrifice for all of us not to go home and not be able to stay in touch as usual," said Jokowi in a video uploaded to the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Saturday, May 23.

The former governor of DKI Jakarta understands that Eid day without going home and in person with family and relatives is difficult.

However, he warned, the safety of family and relatives must be the priority of the whole community.

"The safety of our friends and relatives is certainly more important and must be a priority for all of us," he said.

Jokowi also believes that the Indonesian people can get through the COVID-19 pandemic immediately. Of course, by continuing to carry out health protocols and recommendations from the government regarding the prevention of the virus.

"I am sure that together we, the Indonesian nation will be able to pass this tough test. Happy Eid al-Fitr 1441 Hijriah. We apologize physically and mentally," he said.

Apart from President Jokowi, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has also delivered a greeting for the Eid Al-Fitr. To the community, Ma'ruf asked people to celebrate the victory day at home. Because, currently Indonesia is still experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also emphasized that the government is not prohibiting worship on Eid al-Fitr. He said the government is currently prohibiting potential crowds in the community so that congregational prayer activities in mosques and open fields are prohibited.

"The situation in our country is still facing the danger of COVID-19. Therefore, it is still necessary to prevent large crowds, to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said Vice President Ma'ruf Amin.

He said if someone insists on praying in a mosque or in the field, then the transmission of COVID-19 occurs, it means that it is not in accordance with the principles of Islamic teachings which should minimize the danger.

Ma'ruf also apologized to the people of Indonesia because the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to be resolved for several reasons. But, he guaranteed that the government will continue to work so that the corona virus can be defeated.

"We, the Government apologize, because indeed, the danger has not disappeared. The danger of this corona has not disappeared. To eliminate this is not something easy, because Indonesia is not only a virus that is difficult to deal with," said Ma'ruf.

"We, the Indonesian people, have a large population compared to other ASEAN countries and our territory is also very broad from Sabang to Merauke. This is also a difficulty in itself," he added.

Jokowi will not hold an open house

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presidential Palace has confirmed that it will not hold an open house which is a custom for every Eid Al-Fitr. This assurance was conveyed by the Deputy for Protocol, Press and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Bey Machmudin.

"President Jokowi and his family will not hold an open house during Lebaran this year. This is an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Bey said in a written statement.

He also said that President Jokowi also explicitly asked ministerial officials and members of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet not to carry out this habit.

Even though he did not hold an open house, Bey said President Jokowi would still encourage the tradition of gathering during Lebaran to continue even though he did not meet face to face.

According to him, this friendship can be done virtually by utilizing various media and technologies. "The tradition of gathering with family and relatives should be maintained. Even though we do not meet in person, it can be done virtually," said Bey.

It is known, President Jokowi usually holds an open house for all people during Eid. Last year's Eid, President Jokowi held this event at the Jakarta State Palace, while in the previous two years, the President held this annual event at the Bogor Presidential Palace.