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.