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

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria said that the provincial government is still mulling over mandating an exit and entry permit or SIKM for people entering and exiting the city as the central government Eid homecoming or mudik this year.

According to Riza, the provincial government planned to review the planned policy after the enforcement of the micro-scale community activity restriction or Micro PPKM ended on April 5, 2021, and discuss this with other regional governments, especially the capital's neighboring regions. "We will announce it when the time comes," Riza said at the City Hall on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Riza could not yet confirm whether or not the government will issue a new gubernatorial regulation if the permit policy is implemented. He added that the Jakarta Provincial Government will make the announcement in line with the extension of the Micro PPKM.

Jakarta is still evaluating the implementation of the previous SIKM policy and coordinating with experts and epidemiologists.

As previously known, the central government has issued a ruling banning Eid homecoming for 2021. The provision applies to all state apparatus, members of the National Police and Military, SOE employees, private employees, as well as independent workers, and the entire community in consideration of the high rate of Covid-19 transmission, death rate, and hospital bed occupancy rate (BOR).

"Based on the president's instruction and the decision of the ministerial coordination meeting on March 23, 2021, it is determined that 2021 Eid homecoming is prohibited," said Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, in a press conference, Friday, March 26, 2021.

Last year, the Jakarta government required residents willing to enter and exit the capital during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to present SIKM, which is divided into two types; one-time permit and round-trip permit. People who wish to get a SIKM can register online.

Read Also: Govt Bars Eid Homecoming, Prepares Transport Control Regulation

ADAM PRIREZA | DEWI NURITA