Idul Fitri mood prevails in the city

JAKARTA (JP): The Idul Fitri mood lingered in the city yesterday with most government offices, roads, businesses and shopping centers remaining largely empty.

Those who went to work only went to exchange Idul Fitri greetings with colleagues, and none stayed long at the office.

Some people complained of difficulties getting public transport. But once on board, journeys that usually took 45 minutes in heavy traffic, for instance from Palmerah to City Hall on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, took as little as 15 minutes.

Buses were scarce but some taxis were operating, mostly on main streets.

A number of private offices, such as banks, were still closed, while some government offices closed at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m.

The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) extended its holidays until Feb. 17.

"The holidays are official," said Wid, the agency's senior security officer.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs office and Bank Indonesia, both on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, closed at 12 p.m.

"Work hours will be back to normal tomorrow," the bank's security officer said.

The roads were expected to continue congestion free until next Monday, Uthara, a traffic officer at a junction of Jl. Kebon Sirih and Jl. M.H. Thamrin said. He said it was like Idul Fitri last year.

City Hall

Despite the relaxed mood, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja arrived at work before 6:30 a.m. as usual.

City officials waited in line from 8 a.m. to greet the Governor. The event was over at 10 a.m.

By 12:30 p.m., most offices were vacant as officials left after exchanging greetings with colleagues. In one of the buildings, Blok F, most offices were locked.

Employees who were still around by 1 p.m. included the office staff of the Governor and Deputy Governors.

Deputy Governor on administrative affairs Idroes acknowledged that some officials had left soon after exchanging greetings. "I expect all of them will back to work tomorrow (Wednesday)," Idroes said yesterday.

Fortunately, he said, nobody asked for public services yesterday.

"Maybe people are still visiting families," Idroes said.

Head of the city's inspectorate office, Djoko Brotosurjono, admitted several offices at City Hall were unattended at 1 p.m when he paid a surprise inspection visit.

"It's not only happening here, but all over the country," Djoko said. He said all his officials showed up yesterday except those on leave or on assignment.

He said so far his office had not received reports on unexplained absences.

The city's spokesman, Soesilo Darmoadji, said for Moslems Idul Fitri was the ideal time to visit relatives and neighbors.

"It is not unusual to see government offices vacant during Lebaran holidays," Soesilo said.

According to city personnel supervision data, the maximum penalty for an unexplained absence is a harsh warning from a unit chief.

The City Hall employs more than 5,000 officials. (ste/11)