Palembang, The Indonesia Post – The polemic on the ban on holding Fasting/iftar together (Bukber) for officials and the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, continues to roll.
The Chairperson of the South Sumatra Legislative Council (DPRD) South Sumatra (Sumsel) RA Anita Noeringhati herself highlighted the ban by comparing it to the implementation of music concerts which have been free of crowds so far.
“It’s not allowed to open together, what’s the difference with concerts that get permission, I, as chairman of the DPRD of South Sumatra, find it rather difficult to answer,” said Anita, Friday (24/3/2023).
The Golkar Party politician also believes that what the public has said so far is correct (objections), that breaking the fast together is usually done in a crowd, while at the same time carrying out the Tarawih prayers.
“So what’s the difference between tarawih at the big mosque after returning home, in my opinion it needs to be reviewed because the situation in the field is questionable, if bukber is not allowed but concerts are permitted,” she explained.
Even so, officials in the province of South Sumatra, Anita, admit that they are ready to carry out whatever has been instructed by the center. However, he asked that the ban be reviewed first, bearing in mind the Minister of State Secretary’s latest statement regarding the ban.
“But if this is an instruction, whether you like it or not, it must be carried out, even though we are a political institution and only designate ASN for the rules, but the secretary follows, and later when we carry out the Taraweeh prayers together ask the Secretary of the Secretary as the highest ASN at the DPRD Secretariat, and of course I, as the chairman of the DPRD, represent the community to review the circular letter,” she explained.
Previously, President Joko Widodo banned joint iftar activities among officials and state civil servants (ASN) during the holy month of Ramadan 1444 Hijriah.
The order was contained in the Cabinet Secretary’s Letter Number 38/Seskab/DKK/03/2023 concerning directions related to holding iftar together which was signed by Cabinet Secretary (Seskab) Pramono Anung on March 21, 2023.
The letter was addressed to the ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, the Attorney General, the Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, the National Police Chief and heads of agencies/institutions.
In the letter, there are three points of President Joko Widodo’s direction regarding breaking the fast together for officials and civil servants.
First, the handling of Covid-19 is currently in transition from a pandemic to endemic, so caution is still needed.
Second, in connection with this matter, the holding of breaking the fast together in the holy month of Ramadan 1444 Hijriah should be abolished.
Third, the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) should follow up on these directives to governors, regents and mayors.
At the end of the letter it is also emphasized that ministers, heads of agencies, heads of institutions and heads of regions comply with the President’s directives and pass them on to all employees in their respective agencies.
After the issuance of the letter, the Ministry of Home Affairs prepared a circular letter (SE) as a follow-up. (ojn/bbs)
Comment