An Indonesian presidential palace official said on the 29th that the central government will support several regions in canceling fireworks during this week’s New Year’s Eve celebrations to express sympathy for those affected by the recent floods on Sumatra island.
Prasetyo, spokesperson for the office of Indonesian President Prabowo, told the media that the central government believes it is the right approach for local governments to ban fireworks or call on the public not to set off fireworks during New Year's Eve.
He said: “This is the right thing to do, because we must show empathy and solidarity... As a nation, we should care for our compatriots who are suffering because of disaster.”
According to media reports, several Indonesian local governments, including Bali, have announced that to mourn the victims of the Sumatra disaster, there will be no New Year’s Eve fireworks. Last week, the mayor of Jakarta announced that the city will not hold fireworks displays and called on citizens not to set off fireworks on their own.