Prabowo Asks Ministers Not to Hold Lavish Eid Open House Celebrations

President Prabowo Subianto has instructed cabinet ministers, heads of institutions, and the ranks of the Red and White Cabinet not to hold lavish Eid open house celebrations. This measure is necessary to demonstrate simplicity and restraint amid conditions of national disaster and global economic uncertainty. The directive was conveyed by the President whilst chairing a Plenary Cabinet Session at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March.

During the session, Prabowo emphasised the importance of government officials setting an example for society to avoid excess in celebrating Eid al-Fitr. He requested that the open house tradition be conducted simply without displaying excessive extravagance.

“I believe we must set an example. Open houses should not be overly lavish. We are in a situation of disaster and a challenging global environment,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the President did not completely prohibit open house activities. According to him, social activities such as Eid gatherings remain necessary to keep public economic activity moving.

He assessed that a complete shutdown of various public activities could potentially hinder economic circulation.

In his directive, Prabowo also cautioned the public against being easily swayed by narratives depicting the national economic condition as being in poor shape. He affirmed that various economic indicators demonstrate that Indonesia’s economy remains on a strong footing.

Concluding his directive, the President reminded all cabinet ranks to continue working responsibly and maintain public trust in government. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining national economic stability ahead of Eid celebrations.