Susilo ask officials to delay leave<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered on Tuesday state
\nofficials to delay their leave until after Idul Fitri to ensure
\nthe availability of public service, particularly during the
\nexodus.<\/p>\n
Speaking during a dialog with local officials in Palembang,
\nSouth Sumatra, Susilo said that providing public services should
\nremain the priority of officials as millions of people travel
\nacross the country to celebrate the Muslim holiday.<\/p>\n
\"It's not that (state officials) can't lead prayers or eat
\nketupat (rice cakes) on Idul Fitri, but they must also observe
\nand ensure the continuation of public services. After things are
\ndone, they can then take their leave,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Over 17 million people are expected to journey home to
\ncelebrate Idul Fitri this year.<\/p>\n
Accompanying Susilo during the visit were his wife Kristiani
\nHerawati, several Cabinet ministers and South Sumatra Governor
\nSyahrial Osman.<\/p>\n
Susilo said that state officials should also improve their
\nservice to the public over the holiday period.<\/p>\n
\"Some of these travelers are housemaids or street vendors who
\nhave saved money over the past few months just to be able to
\nreturn home to meet their families. Imagine if they can't secure
\ntransportation or are robbed by pickpockets,\" said Susilo.<\/p>\n
The order follows the issuance of a joint decree by three
\nministers that encourages civil servants and employees in the
\nprivate sector to take leave en masse, so that they can celebrate
\nIdul Fitri with their extended families.<\/p>\n
The decree, signed by the Minister of Religious Affairs,
\nMinister of Manpower and Transmigration, and State Minister for
\nAdministrative Reform, says that the Idul Fitri holiday occupies
\ntwo days, Nov. 14 and Nov. 16.<\/p>\n
The decree also recommends the extension of the holiday to
\ninclude Nov. 17 and Nov. 19. It is mandatory for civil servants
\nto take the extended holiday and private firms are advised to
\nfollow suit.<\/p>\n
The policy of an extended holiday for both Idul Fitri and
\nChristmas was introduced for the first time in 2002, during the
\nadministration of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri.<\/p>\n
Then coordinating minister for people's welfare Jusuf Kalla,
\nwho is now Vice President, said at that time the policy was for
\nthe sake of efficiency and to boost domestic tourism, which was
\nhard hit by the bomb blasts in the country's prominent tourist
\ndestination of Bali in 2002. .<\/p>\n
Most civil servants skip work a few days before and after the
\ntwo major holidays.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/susilo-ask-officials-to-delay-leave-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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