Luhut Pandjaitan: Mudik Ban Takes Effect Starting April 24

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, announced the prohibition of the annual mass exodus to villages, or mudik, during this year’s end of the fasting month (Ramadan) and Eid Lebaran holiday will take effect starting April 24, 2020.

According to Luhut, there will be sanctions for those violating the policy.

“The ban on mudik is effective on Friday, April 24, 2020. The policy also stipulates sanctions, but it will be imposed starting May 7,” the minister said via teleconference after a limited meeting with President Jokowi on Tuesday, April 21. However, he stopped short of detailing the sanctions.

The government’s decision to ban the annual exodus amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic followed up the results of a meeting held today morning. The restriction which was initially valid only for national military and police personnel and state civil apparatus or ASN) has now been applied to the general public in an effort to curb the virus spread.

Recent data showed that COVID-19 positive cases in Indonesia have reached 6,760.

“Today, I am making a big decision. In today's meeting, I’d like to announce that we will prohibit everyone from going mudik. So, please start all the necessary preparations,” said Jokowi via teleconference from Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday, April 21.

DEWI NURITA