"It must be noted that people, who hold the travel permit during the period (of mudik ban), must undergo self-quarantine for five days round the clock upon their arrival at destination regions before they can start activities," Adisasmito noted in a statement here on Friday.
The mandatory quarantine for travelers across cities, regencies, provinces, and countries can be conducted at government facilities or hotels on independent expense, with strict adherence to health protocols, he remarked.
Adisasmito stated that all societal elements should optimize the function of the COVID-19 task force at villages pertaining to worships and traditions during Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr that could result in violation of health protocols.
"I reiterated here, our experience during the previous long holidays should be taken into account in making the policy. When this happens, often we cannot avoid the occurrence of crowds during travelling or in destination areas," Adisasmito stated.
The mudik ban is one way to prevent a spike in COVID-19 transmission, although it is not the only reliable way.
Adisasmito urged the public to restrict their mobility and called on law enforcement personnel to work professionally to uphold the law in addition to insisting that health protocols be followed by operators during social and economic activities.
The government's spokesman is optimistic that people would support the ban on mudik and adhere to the regulations to stem COVID-19 transmission.
"Our adherence to the policy would be a real contribution in helping the government's efforts to handle and stop the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia," he remarked.
The government has banned mudik, the annual mass exodus ahead of Eid al-Fitr, from May 6 to 17, 2021, as a precautionary measure against a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy stated recently that the mass leave for Eid al-Fitr on May 12, 2021, will remain unchanged while urging the public to not travel or engage in activities that are likely to increase COVID-19 transmission and infection rate. Related news: Nearly 2 million airline seats affected by new travel ban, according to OAG analysis
Related news: Government to punish civil servants violating 'mudik' ban
Penerjemah: Martha H Simanjuntak, Sri Hary
Editor: Suharto
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