In the run-up to Ramadan 2022, Google searches for the word "bukber" increased dramatically. "Bukber" is an abbreviation for "buka puasa bersama" (breaking the fast together).
On a scale of 0-100 on the Google Trends index, searches for "bukber" were at level 27 on March 22, 2022.
In the following days, search trends increased, reaching level 100, or the peak of the Google Trends index, on March 28, 2022.
Interest in this Ramadan tradition varied between provinces. The highest searches for "bukber" were recorded in Yogyakarta, followed by West Sulawesi, South Kalimantan, Jakarta, and Central Java.
The search related to "bukber" that experienced the highest increase was "bukber places in Jakarta". Meanwhile, the most popular related search was "nearest bukber places".
Government Bans Joint Iftar for Civil Servants
Along with the high public interest in "bukber", the Spokesperson for the Covid-19 Handling Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, urged the public to implement health protocols during joint breaking of the fast in Ramadan.
"Break the fast while maintaining distance and don't talk while eating. Don't forget to wash your hands to stay clean," said Wiku, as reported by *Katadata.co.id*, Tuesday (March 29).
However, the government actually banned civil servants (PNS) from breaking their fast together during Ramadan 2022.
"For government officials and employees, we still prohibit joint breaking of the fast and open houses," said President Jokowi in an online press conference, Wednesday (March 23).