TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police are set to block off roads in Jakarta borders following the government’s policy on the prohibition of this year’s Eid mass exodus or mudik using either public or private vehicles.

The road blockade is a follow-up to President Jokowi’s statement that people are barred from going to their hometown or villages in order to prevent the coronavirus from further spreading in the country.

“We will block vehicles from leaving Jakarta,” National Police Traffic Corps Chief Sr. Comr. Benyamin on Tuesday, April 21.

He explained that the blockade will only be valid for two or four-wheeled private vehicles and mass transportations. Vehicles that are allowed to cross the border are those distributing logistics and fuel trucks. “The technical implementation is still being discussed at the ministerial level,” Benyamin added.

Earlier today, President Jokowi finally decided to ban Eid homecoming due to the coronavirus pandemic, considering the country’s virus cases reached 6,760.

The government’s previous call on the public to stay home and refrain from going mudik this year was merely an appeal. However, Jokowi said that he did not rule out the possibility of issuing such a ban, depending on the situation.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH