Banners Rejecting Eid Travelers Without Covid-19-Free Letter Rampant in Jakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta saw rampant banners rejecting travelers who returned from Eid al-Fitr holidays in their hometowns without a Covid-19-free letter. Two of them were installed in Kartini Subdistrict of Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta. The banners also read “Covid-19 swab test is mandatory for people returning from mudik or Eid homecoming”.

In West Jakarta, residents of the DPA housing complex, Kemanggisan Subdistrict of Palmerah, also put up such banners. “We residents of Kemanggisan want to be free from Coronavirus so travelers must pass swab antigen test,” read the banner installed in the front gate of the housing complex.

A resident of the DPA housing complex named Dewi said the banner installation was the community’s initiative to support the government’s program. The community had also coordinated with the local police and sub-district administration. “The point is on the suggestion to undergo a swab test, not the rejection,” said the 40-year-old woman.

According to her, a number of residents insisted on going despite the government’s ban on Eid homecoming. “So, for the common good, we urge them to ensure that they are safe and healthy when they return,” Dewi added.

Palmerah Sectoral Police Chief Comr. Agus Widartono appreciated the residents for taking an active role in breaking the chain of Covid-19 transmission. “We support the community’s desire for making their area free of Covid-19,” said Agus, hoping that travelers will follow the appeal.

The central government issued a policy on the Eid homecoming ban on May 6-17, 2021, in an effort to suppress the Covid-19 transmission. However, the Transportation Ministry recorded that around 1.5 million people left Jakarta Greater Area (Jabodetabek) to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1442 Hijri in their hometowns.

Read: Anies Baswedan Extends Micro PPKM to Anticipate Eid Homecoming Cluster

INGE KLARA SAFITRI