TEMPO.CO, North Barito - Head of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force Doni Monardo said that the government strictly prohibits 2021 Eid homecoming or mudik in considerations of last year’s Eid al-Fitr holidays amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Based on the data collected by the Transportation Ministry, if there is no ban on homecoming, 33 percent of the residents will return to their hometown, but if there is a ban, around 11 percent will still go,” said Doni when met in Muara Teweh, North Barito, Central Kalimantan, Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Doni recalled that last year’s mass exodus and the year-end long holidays triggered a significant hike in the number of Covid-19 cases that hospitals were almost paralyzed. The condition was different from the other two long holidays of Chinese New Year and Isra Miraj.

The ban on homecoming and the strict implementation of policies are effective to suppress the virus active cases and the hospital bed occupancy rate.

“This is what we reported at the ministerial level meeting, so that Bapak President announces the ban on homecoming,” Doni added.

Although the government’s efforts have proven successful in curb the virus transmission, Doni called on all parties to stay vigilant, especially during the Eid al-Fitr holidays.

“Please cooperate. We ask people not to go for Eid homecoming. There is indeed an emotional bond in the tradition. But the most important thing is that we protect the safety of the people,” Doni Monardo remarked.

Read: Ban on Eid Homecoming; Jakarta Mulls over Exit and Entry Permit

EGI ADYATAMA