Indonesia’s new government has banned officials from throwing big parties and sending elaborate floral greetings as it embarks on a campaign for simple living, reports said today.

Officials may no longer invite more than 400 people to weddings or similar parties, according to a circular addressed to the cabinet of President Joko Widodo and other high-level state institutions, the Republika daily reported.

The circular, issued by the Ministry of Administrative Reform, also said officials “must not exhibit extravagance and/or superfluous lifestyles” and instead “adhere to the principles of decency to show empathy with the public”.

Officials are also urged not to send flower boards to their superiors or other officials and cut down on spending for promotional articles in the media, the report said.

Flower boards are large greetings cards, often more than a metre across, partly made up of flower bouquets, and bearing messages of respect or congratulations.

The circular came after the Ministry of State Enterprises banned executives of state-owned companies from flying business class.

Joko, Indonesia’s first president who is not from a political or military elite, created a media buzz last week when he flew economy class to Singapore to attend his son’s graduation.

- dpa