TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas instructed all State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in the ministry to hold the Merah Putih flag (Red and White flag) salute ceremony regularly every 17th of the month. He said this is an effort to strengthen the sense of nationalism.

“Through this activity, I hope that all ASN will increasingly have a sense of gratitude, love for the country, as well as be motivated to fully serve the nation and state,” said Yaqut in a written statement received in Jakarta, Thursday, June 17.

Yaqut added that the activity will be a new history for ASN in the ministry. He hoped that the gesture of respect for the Indonesian flag along with the playing of the national anthem Indonesia Raya and the prayer will not become a mere routine, but a commitment of all ministry officials.

The flag salute is mandated on Ministerial Instruction No. 2 of 2021 concerning respect for the Merah Putih flag and prayer. Through the instruction, Minister Yaqut asked all his staff to hold it regularly in their respective areas as a joint effort to strengthen patriotism and nationalism.

“This is a strategic effort of the ministry to further strengthen the national unity,” said Yaqut.

As state servants, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas went on, ASN should be an important part of strengthening the pillars of the nation. Moreover, there are huge numbers of Religious Affairs Ministry officials in all parts of Indonesia.

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ANTARA