Susilo ask officials to delay leave

Susilo ask officials to delay leave

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ordered on Tuesday state
officials to delay their leave until after Idul Fitri to ensure
the availability of public service, particularly during the
exodus.

Speaking during a dialog with local officials in Palembang,
South Sumatra, Susilo said that providing public services should
remain the priority of officials as millions of people travel
across the country to celebrate the Muslim holiday.

"It's not that (state officials) can't lead prayers or eat
ketupat (rice cakes) on Idul Fitri, but they must also observe
and ensure the continuation of public services. After things are
done, they can then take their leave," he said.

Over 17 million people are expected to journey home to
celebrate Idul Fitri this year.

Accompanying Susilo during the visit were his wife Kristiani
Herawati, several Cabinet ministers and South Sumatra Governor
Syahrial Osman.

Susilo said that state officials should also improve their
service to the public over the holiday period.

"Some of these travelers are housemaids or street vendors who
have saved money over the past few months just to be able to
return home to meet their families. Imagine if they can't secure
transportation or are robbed by pickpockets," said Susilo.

The order follows the issuance of a joint decree by three
ministers that encourages civil servants and employees in the
private sector to take leave en masse, so that they can celebrate
Idul Fitri with their extended families.

The decree, signed by the Minister of Religious Affairs,
Minister of Manpower and Transmigration, and State Minister for
Administrative Reform, says that the Idul Fitri holiday occupies
two days, Nov. 14 and Nov. 16.

The decree also recommends the extension of the holiday to
include Nov. 17 and Nov. 19. It is mandatory for civil servants
to take the extended holiday and private firms are advised to
follow suit.

The policy of an extended holiday for both Idul Fitri and
Christmas was introduced for the first time in 2002, during the
administration of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Then coordinating minister for people's welfare Jusuf Kalla,
who is now Vice President, said at that time the policy was for
the sake of efficiency and to boost domestic tourism, which was
hard hit by the bomb blasts in the country's prominent tourist
destination of Bali in 2002. .

Most civil servants skip work a few days before and after the
two major holidays.