Longer public holidays?

It's a working day for civil servants, but many at the office of the North Sumatra provincial administration decided to skip work on Friday, following two national holidays on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Social Welfare Agency at the provincial administration looked quiet (see photo), with few officials around. Office equipment was left untouched and many rooms were still locked.

Those who showed up for work -- only 10 out of 50 staffers at the agency -- were seen chatting or smoking although it was 9:35 a.m. Others even opted to read newspapers or watch TV.

The low turnout of civil servants after the two days holiday could also be seen at various offices in Medan, like the office of the mayor, the state court and city council.

When asked, officials at the North Sumatra Social Welfare Agency said they did not know the whereabouts of their colleagues, while others said they were on training or assignment.

"Many of the officials here are still in a training program ...," said one of the officials, Damanik, who showed up for work dressed casually in jeans and T-shirt.

Another official, Rahman, said it was a die-hard habit to skip work if the working day was in between two holidays.

"Many left for their hometowns during the holidays, making it hard for them to come back to work for a day and continue their holiday the day after," said Rahman, who has been working for the provincial administration for over 20 years.

When asked about sanctions for those who skipped work, the assistant to the North Sumatra governor on social welfare and law, Sofyan Nasution, said they would be given administrative sanctions, especially those who did not seek permission.

"The sanctions will be given by their respective superiors," Sofyan told The Jakarta Post by cell phone from Singapore. He was on assignment in the country but children's laughter heard on the phone sounded like he was on holiday himself.

-- JP/Apriadi Gunawan