MTI: Mudik Ban Must Be Coupled with Stoppage of Transportations

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) warned that the ban on the annual mass exodus, locally known as mudik, during the fasting month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr or Lebaran holiday will be effective if it is coupled with the suspension of the transportation, both public and private transports.

“Based on inputs from our members in regions, we opine that the transportation modes must be banned from operating, too,” said MTI head Agus Taufik Mulyono in an online press conference in Jakarta, Tuesday, April 21.

As reported earlier, President Jokowi officially passed a policy on the prohibition of the mass exodus today considering a survey held by the Transportation Ministry showed that 24 percent of the participants insisted on Eid homecoming despite the appeal. The ban reportedly will take effect on April 24, 2020, and the sanction will be imposed effectively starting May 7.

According to Agus, transportation poses a high risk of the coronavirus transmission, as it accommodates the people's movement from a red zone to a hometown or village destination.

Despite the government’s prohibition, he assessed, some people in Jakarta Greater Area (Jabodetabek), the coronavirus red zones, might still insist on going to their hometowns, especially those affected by the pandemic, and some might also be determined to go to meet their families.

Therefore, Agus also suggested tight supervision for those planning to go mudik using their private vehicles and taking alternative roads. The gas stations should also be closed to remove the people’s chance to obtain fuel.

“Strict monitoring is necessary during the peak of homecoming season, and gas stations should also be closed because people may still go on mudik through alternative routes,” Agus said.

ANTARA