Jokowi Implements Ban on ASN Joining Fast-Breaking Gatherings; MSME Association Criticizes Lack of Clarity in the Regulations

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Secretary General of the Association MSMEs Indonesia (Akumindo), Edy Misero, questioned the President’s policy Jokowi prohibit officials and state civil servants (ASN) from break fast together aka Booker. Moreover, this policy automatically has an impact on culinary MSME actors who usually provide shared iftar dishes.

“We don’t have a problem, but the reasons must be clear,” said Edy when contacted TempoMarch 26, 2023.

Edy questioned the government’s reason for banning iftar together to deal with Covid-19 which is still in a transitional period. This is because the regulation contrasts with the government’s stance on permitting events that invite large crowds, from weddings to music concerts. Efforts to prevent Covid by prohibiting ASN from breaking the fast together will also be in vain if the general public is still allowed to do so. “Don’t use Covid-19 as a justification,” said Edy.

Edy also questioned the government’s other reason for banning ASN from breaking the fast together related to the efficiency of the government’s budget. “If they use personal money what’s wrong?” he said. According to Edy, the lack of clarity on the basis of the regulation has confused the public.

Public policy observer from the PH&H Public Policy Interest Group, Agus Pambagio, also considers the policy of prohibiting joint fasting for civil servants and state officials to be confusing.

In line with Edy, according to Agus, the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be the reason for this policy. This is because President Joko Widodo or Jokowi has announced that the pandemic is over. The government has only advised people to be careful. Even Jokowi himself held a large-scale wedding for his son.

“PPKM is gone, the President has gone big, there have been music concerts, there have been football matches, but now the government is using the Covid excuse to ban breaking the fast together. The people are confused,” he said.

Next: Agus assesses that MSMEs in the food and drink sector are also affected…