Jakarta (ANTARA) – The 2023 Eid al-Adha collective leave days serve as a momentum that marks a transition from the COVID-19 pandemic to endemic stage, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy stated.”This collective leave serves as momentum for transition from pandemic to endemic, as announced by Mr President,” the minister noted in a press conference here on Thursday. The government, through Three Ministers’ Joint Directive, announced that June 28 and June 30 are days off for the 2023 Eid al-Adha, whereas June 29 is a national holiday to commemorate Eid al-Adha. The directive was signed by Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah, and State Apparatus Utilization and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Abdullah Azwar Anas. Muhadjir stated that the collective leave aims to boost the economy, particularly local tourism, since the leave coincides with the school holidays. Hence, he expects people to spend the time well. “Moreover, the extended leave this year for Eid al-Adha will coincide with the school holidays,” he remarked. Minister Anas seconded Effendy’s statement, saying that this holiday allows state civil apparatuses across Indonesia to spend time with their families. He called on civil servants to plan their holiday ahead and to utilize the time to contribute to economic improvement, thereby helping Indonesia recover economically after COVID-19. “We hope that this long (holiday) can serve as a moment to truly reflect, for state civil servants, who are Muslims, on Eid al-Adha,” he stated. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that the extended collective leave days for the 2023 Eid al-Adha have been given to boost the economy. “Well, firstly, such days are needed to push the economy, particularly in the regions, so it will be better,” the president stated at the Parungpung Market, Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday. He opined that the additional days off for Eid can boost regional tourism activities. Hence, the government decided to set it, he remarked. “(This is) particularly in the local tourism sector. Hence, because we see that it is possible, we decide it,” he remarked.
Source: Antara News Agency