Jakarta –
Yusril Ihza Mahendra advised President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) not to prohibit gatherings during Ramadan 1444 H, including government agencies. Yusril assessed that the proposed ban could be used as material to corner the Jokowi government.
“I am worried that the letter will be used as material to corner the Government and accuse the President’s Government Jokowi anti-Islam,” said Yusril in a written statement, Thursday (23/3/2023).
It is known that Jokowi’s direction for government officials and employees to abolish the joint iftar is known to be contained in a circular letter from the Cabinet Secretary. However, Yusril assessed that the letter did not explicitly state that it only applies to internal agencies.
According to Yusril, this has the potential to be misinterpreted and considered as a ban on breaking the fast together in society.
“Even though 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 ‘spoiled’ and expanded to mean a ban on breaking the fast together in the community,” he said .
Yusril suspected that the circular letter was classified as a secret that was leaked to the public. Yusril then suggested that the palace rectify the circular letter by allowing joint iftar activities.
“Suggested that the Cabinet Secretary rectify the confidential letter and provide flexibility to government officials and employees and the public who wish to organize iftar activities together,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary Circular
Previously, the directive for officials to abolish the joint iftar was contained in the letter of the Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia Number 38/Seskab/DKK/03/2023 concerning directions related to organizing joint iftar. The letter was signed by Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung on 21 March 2023.
“That’s right,” Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung told reporters, Wednesday (22/3/2023).
The directives were addressed to the ministers of the Onward Indonesia Cabinet, the Attorney General, the Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces, the National Police Chief, and heads of agencies/institutions.
There are three points in Jokowi’s directive letter. Here are the points:
1. The handling of COVID-19 is currently in transition from pandemic to endemic, so caution is still needed.
2. In connection with that, the implementation of breaking the fast together in the holy month of Ramadan 1444 Hijri to be abolished.
3. The Minister of Home Affairs should follow up on the directives mentioned above to governors, regents and mayors.
“This is conveyed so that you comply with the President’s directives and pass them on to all employees in their respective agencies,” wrote the letter.
(dwia/fig)
