Prabowo Restricts Officials from Lavish Open House Celebrations during Eid

President Prabowo Subianto has restricted government officials from holding lavish open house celebrations during Eid. Open house, known locally as gelar griya, is a tradition commonly observed by Indonesian society, including government officials, during religious holidays.

Ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, Prabowo urged officials to exercise restraint in organising events. He stated that Indonesia currently requires economic austerity, beginning with government officials. “We must also set an example; open houses should not be excessively luxurious,” Prabowo said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Prabowo reminded that many Indonesian citizens remain affected by disasters. “Our brothers and sisters in disaster-affected regions, and in this situation we set an example for the people,” said the Gerindra Party chairman.

Nevertheless, Prabowo clarified that the austerity directive does not mean officials are prohibited from holding open houses. He noted that various activities during religious holidays remain necessary to sustain economic activity. “But we should not go completely overboard either; if we shut down all events entirely, our economy will not function properly,” he stated.

Government officials frequently hold open house celebrations during Eid in Indonesia. This includes presidents who regularly hold open houses at the Presidential Palace.

Last year, President Prabowo held an open house during Eid al-Fitr 1 Shawwal 1446 Hijriah at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Monday, 31 March 2025. Prabowo’s open house event commenced after he performed Eid prayers at Istiqlal Mosque that morning.

Guests were not granted immediate access to Prabowo. They were asked to wait in blue tents erected within the Palace grounds. Prabowo served traditional Eid cuisine in the Presidential Palace compound. The food was prepared specifically for the public during the open house event held during the 2025 Eid celebration.

In the tent where the public waited, various foods were arranged on tables. Plates were placed at several locations. On the tables, numerous dishes were displayed, ranging from opor ayam (chicken in coconut milk), sayur labu siam (chayote vegetable), chicken liver, and lontong sayur (rice cake with vegetable gravy). Teppanyaki and Solo meatballs were also served. In addition to food, various beverages were available, including es teler (mixed fruit ice drink), tea, and coffee.