Difficult Situation, This Indonesian President Cancels Lebaran Open House
President Prabowo Subianto has requested that ministers refrain from holding lavish open house events during Lebaran. This request stems from concern over the many citizens impacted by disasters.
“We must also set an example with open houses or whatever; they should not be too extravagant,” said Prabowo while chairing the Full Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday (13/3/2026).
History records a similar example of leadership shown by President Soeharto. During Lebaran in 1987, the Soeharto family decided not to hold an open house at their residence on Jalan Cendana in Central Jakarta. This tradition, usually held every 1 Syawal and serving as a moment for officials and the public to meet, was cancelled to emphasise the principle of simple living amid difficult economic conditions.
State Secretary Minister Sudharmono explained that the decision aimed for the president’s family to exemplify simple behaviour.
“If receiving so many guests, it gives the impression of an excessive party,” said Sudharmono, quoted from the Pelita newspaper (22 May 1987).
Nevertheless, the tradition of mutual forgiveness can still be carried out, but in a simpler manner, not necessarily through an official open house at the president’s residence.
The economic conditions at that time indeed forced the government to economise. Boediono, in Indonesian Economy in Historical Perspective (2016), wrote that the price of oil exports, Indonesia’s main commodity, fell in the global market, causing a decline in state revenue.
The Rupiah’s exchange rate against the US dollar weakened, while non-oil and gas exports could not cover the deficit. All projects were reviewed, fuel prices were raised, and civil servant salaries were frozen for four years.
In those conditions, Soeharto emphasised the importance of exemplifying simplicity. One way was through the cancellation of the open house event.
“On Lebaran day 1987, my wife and I did not receive Idulfitri greetings at our residence on Jl. Cendana,” revealed Soeharto, quoted from his autobiography Soeharto: My Thoughts, Words and Deeds (1982).
As a result of this decision, officials, diplomatic guests, and the public could not shake hands directly with the president. Soeharto also refused to accept flowers or other gifts, deeming them not simple. In the end, Soeharto’s decision was followed by other high-ranking state officials.