TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Merak Port in Banten is officially closed for passengers, private cars, and public transport. Deputy Chief of Banten Police Brig. Gen. Tomex Kurniawan said the closure follows the government’s ban on annual mass exodus or mudik during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Banten Police, Land Transportation Directorate-General, and state ferry operator ASDP Indonesia Ferry have agreed [on the closure], as mandated in the Transportation Ministerial Regulation No. 25/2020 that the port is only allowed for cargo and logistics transport,” said Tomex in a written statement, Tuesday, April 28.

According to Tomex, around 600 joint police officers will oversee the sea traffic from 15 checkpoints heading to the piers.

“We appeal to people planning to cross the port to return home as called by the government,” he asserted.

Presently, a total of four piers of Merak Port are set to accommodate ships carrying logistics and medical devices. The pier is also opened for ambulances, hearses, and Military and police operational vehicles.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Tuesday, April 21, decided to prohibit mudik, the Indonesian tradition for urbanites to return to their hometowns or villages to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their families, as part of COVID-19 containment efforts. Meanwhile, the sanction will be imposed on May 7 until the ban is revoked.

LANI DIANA WIJAYA