TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police ensured that people in Jakarta Greater Area or Jabodetabek are permitted to join the annual exodus or known as mudik within the area during Eid al-Fitr holiday this year, or as the authorities called it 'local mudik'.

However, homecomers will be under police monitoring and are obliged to obey the orders of Large-Scale Social Restrictions or PSBB.

"Going mudik within areas enforcing PSBB is allowed, for example within Jabodetabek. And it means people must follow the PSBB orders,” said the operational head of the National Police traffic corps Sr. Comr. Benyamin when asked for confirmation on Thursday, May 14.

Benyamin underlined that mudik travelers must maintain physical distancing, wear face masks when leaving homes, and abide by the driving rules. Those who are proven to violate the orders are subject to sanctions set by the local administrations.

“The sanctions are under the local government’s authority,” he added. For example, Depok, Bogor, and Bekasi administrations noted that people leaving homes without wearing face masks will be penalized with a fine of up to Rp250.000 or social works.

Despite the permit, people are barred from leaving for other cities following the mudik ban issued by President Jokowi in an effort to tackle further spreading of Covid-19.

Jakarta Metro Police had set up 18 monitoring posts across 18 points in Jabodetabek to prevent people from going on long-distance mudik trips. The posts have been operating since Friday, April 24, until D+7 of Lebaran.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH