Public holidays in 2003 calendars

Public holidays in 2003 calendars

From Kompas

The government, through a joint decree from the minister of religious affairs, the minister of manpower and transmigration and the state minister for administrative reforms, has stipulated changes in public holidays in 2003.

Some public holidays have been moved either forward or back to ensure the people will have a longer holiday, while the observance of the events on these holidays remains on the same dates. The 1424 Hijriah New Year, for example, falls on Tuesday, March 4. In this case it is Monday, March 3, that is made a public holiday so that people can have a longer holiday (Sunday and Monday), while the celebration of this Hijriah New Year remains on Tuesday, March 4. Another example is Indonesia's Independence Day on Aug. 17. This year it falls on a Sunday. This year the commemoration of the Independence Day remains on Sunday, Aug. 17 but people can enjoy a public holiday on Monday, Aug. 18.

Unfortunately, there are still calendars that do not conform to this joint decree. To avoid confusion, the government must communicate this joint decree more intensively.

AGUS SUTARJO

Jakarta