Thursday, 23 March 2023 – 13:02 WIB
VIVA Politics – General Chairperson of the Crescent Star Party and also Constitutional Law Expert Yusril Ihza Mahendra suggested to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) that iftar activities carried out by Muslims both within government agencies and the community are permissible and not prohibited. Yusril’s statement was made in response to the circulation of a letter signed by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung which contained a ban on gathering iftar activities in government agencies.
Yusril assessed that the letter in circulation was actually confidential, but the letter was leaked to the public. The letter, according to Yusril, also did not clearly state that the iftar ban only applies within the government, making it vulnerable to being made fun of.
“Although the Cabinet Secretariat’s letter was addressed to government officials, the prohibition on holding iftar together does not explicitly state that it only applies to internal government agencies. As a result, the letter has the potential to be twisted and its meaning expanded as a ban on breaking the fast together in the community,” said Yusril in statement via text message, Thursday, March 23, 2023.
Jokowi, according to Yusril, should allow government agencies to hold iftar together. According to Yusril, the existence of the letter can be rectified at any time after considering the advantages and disadvantages.
Because of that, he suggested that Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung rectify the confidential letter and give flexibility to government officials and employees and the public who wish to organize iftar activities.
“I am worried that the letter will be used as material to corner the Government and accuse President Jokowi’s Government of being anti-Islam,” said Yusril.
