TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung clarified President Joko Widodo or Jokowi's instruction regarding the ban on breaking the fast together or known as Bukber contained in the Cabinet Secretary’s Circular Number R 38/Seskab/DKK/03/2023 dated March 21, 2023.

“First, the ban on iftar gatherings or the President's instruction is only addressed to Coordinating Ministers, Ministers, and heads of government institutions,” said Pramono in his statement, Thursday, March 23.

Pramono confirmed that the ban on Bukber does not apply to the general public. According to him, the ban was issued because state civil apparatus and government officials are recently under the public spotlight.

“That’s why Bapak President asked government officials and civil servants to break their fast in a simple way, not inviting other officials to break their fast together,” said Pramono.

Jokowi hoped that state officials could set an example to the public about simplicity.

In the letter, the main reason for banning officials from holding Bukber during the fasting month of Ramadan 2023/1444 Hijri is the lingering COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

“The handling of COVID-19 is currently in transition from a pandemic to endemic, so caution is still needed,” the circular noted.

Heru Budi Hartono, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, confirmed the Jokowi's order. Even though Bukber is prohibited, there is no rule regarding Tarawih prayers at home as previously enforced by the government during Ramadan last year.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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