Jokowi's Eid Celebration: Eid Prayers in Sumatra, "Open House" at Three Palaces (7-End)

During the tenure of Indonesia's seventh President, Joko Widodo, Eid al-Fitr prayers were also utilized as an opportunity to meet with the community in various regions of Indonesia. Consequently, the "open house" or opening of the Palace doors was not routinely held during Eid celebrations under Jokowi's administration, especially during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Jokowi was recorded as having performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the Baiturrahman Mosque, Banda Aceh, Aceh Province on July 16, 2015, and at the Grand Mosque of West Sumatra, Padang on July 6, 2016. After the prayer, it is customary for worshippers who prayed at the same location to greet the President with a handshake.

Afterward, Jokowi and his family returned to their hometown and enjoyed the Eid holiday in his hometown, Surakarta, Central Java. President Jokowi often distributes basic food packages to the community ahead of Eid or during the Eid holiday. For example, in the first year of his administration, this was carried out at Klithikan Market in Surakarta.

Because President Jokowi was not in the nation's capital during Eid al-Fitr in 2015-2016, Vice President Jusuf Kalla opened the doors of the Vice Presidential Palace on Jalan Merdeka Selatan, Jakarta, for officials, ambassadors, and the public.

The "open house" at the Palace during Jokowi's term was first held during Eid al-Fitr in 2017. After performing the Eid prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Jokowi, along with Kalla, hosted an "open house" at the State Palace. This time, the duo of President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana, along with Vice President Kalla and Mrs. Mufidah, welcomed officials, ambassadors, and members of the general public who came to pay their respects.

In addition to considerations of efficiency, both appear solid in front of the public. "Rather than being separate and inefficient, it is better to be together, both of us," said Vice President Kalla when telling his proposal to President Jokowi to hold an "open house" for Eid al-Fitr 1438 Hijriah together, June 24, 2017.

Although not officially announced, the public still came to the Palace. However, the duration of this gathering event was very limited, only two hours. As a result, many members of the public were unable to enter the Palace.

The following year, the open house was held again with a limited duration. However, the event took place at the Bogor Presidential Palace because earlier, President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the Bogor Botanical Gardens field.

Only in 2019, an “open house” was held again at the State Palace, Jakarta. The duration was still very limited, opened only from 10:00-12:00 WIB for the public, while ministers, state officials, ambassadors, and other invitees were at 09:00-10:00 WIB. In reality, the gathering with officials and invitees exceeded the schedule, while the number of citizens who could enter to meet the President was very limited.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2020 and 2021, Eid al-Fitr celebrations were held with limitations.

The front terrace of Wisma Bayurini, Bogor Presidential Palace Complex and the front yard of the Main Building of the Bogor Presidential Palace were the chosen locations for President Jokowi and Mrs. Iriana's Eid prayers in 2020 and the following year. There was no "open house". The gathering with their partner in government, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, and with family, was held online.

2022 will be a more relaxing year after the Covid-19 pandemic is over and also a joyful one for the presidential apparatus.

President Jokowi celebrated Eid at the Yogyakarta Presidential Palace with his family. Meanwhile, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin celebrated Eid in his hometown in Tanara, Banten, then gathered with his extended family at his residence in Cimanggis, West Java.

The President and Vice President requested that no presidential apparatus accompany them. Therefore, without an "open house" and official presidential agenda, many Palace employees were finally able to enjoy Lebaran like other citizens.

There will also be no “open house” in 2023. President Jokowi performed Eid prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Surakarta, then took a vacation with his extended family. Government officials and staff were also asked to enjoy the holiday with their families.

Only in the last year of his administration, President Jokowi reopened the doors of the State Palace, Jakarta during Lebaran. Ministers, officials, directors of state-owned enterprises, ambassadors, businessmen and even the president's staff lined up, pushing from the side terrace of the State Palace.

Everyone is enthusiastic, this is the last halalbihalal in Jokowi's capacity as President. So are the volunteers and Jokowi's sympathizers.

Everyone was enthusiastic, unfortunately, the event that started at 08.00 WIB ended at around 11.00 WIB. Many residents were left behind and did not get the chance to meet President Jokowi. Many had entered the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta but were unable to even shake hands with the President. In that condition, there were residents who were angry and expressed their disappointment.