Jokowi Talks of Possible Holiday Replacement for Eid, Mass Exodus

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo resumed the limited meeting on the preparation of the mass exodus during the national holiday of 2020 Eid al-Fitr or locally known mudik lebaran this year on Thursday, April 2.

During the session, he demanded cabinet ministers prepare a comprehensive scenario in light of the holiday season.

“[I want] a comprehensive scenario, not partial or sectoral ones that only consider regional interests. A complete plan [that manages it] from the upstream to downstream,” said the president when opening the meeting through a video conference from Bogor Presidential Palace on Thursday.

He also addressed alternatives to substitute the national holiday of Eid al-Fitr that likely got affected by the coronavirus pandemic in a bid to provide a sense of calmness among the community.

“For the homecoming, to calm the people, perhaps we can talk about alternatives to substitute the Eid holiday to other days,” he remarked.

Besides, the government should provide facilities for the mass exodus during the alternate days. “Perhaps [we] can later open tourist destinations for free. This can be discussed so we can provide serenity in the society,” Jokowi added.

As of date, the government has not yet passed a policy related to the Eid homecoming amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs along with several other ministries and institutions proposed three scenarios, viz. implementing business as usual, by means, Eid exodus will be allowed as usual, annulling free homecoming trip programs held by institutions, and the last is restricting the Eid homecoming. The discussion was still afoot.

DEWI NURITA