JAKARTA – The Indonesian government has decided to ban “mudik”, the annual mass exodus from cities to ancestral villages and towns ahead of Aidilfitri, starting from today to May 17.
According to a circular issued by the Covid-19 National Task Force, the move is to curb the spread of Covid-19 that has spiked after major public holidays in the past.
During the mudik ban period, police will set up roadblocks on major toll roads to turn back mudik travellers, while suspensions on air, rail and sea travel will also come into effect.
This will be the second year the mudik ban is being implemented after the policy was first introduced last year to reduce potential risks of Covid-19 transmission.
Before the pandemic, the annual homecoming exodus tradition usually witnessed around 30 million Indonesians returning to their home towns annually.
However, some exceptions, such as emergency and official travel, apply.
Human Development and Culture Coordinating Minister Muhadjir Effendy was quoted by local media as saying that the mudik ban comes with several exceptions for certain vehicles.
“High-ranking officials, Covid-19 task force officers, government operational officers, the Indonesian army, the police as well as toll road officials may still travel on duty.
“They must have a letter of assignment signed by employers or a letter from village head for people who have an urgent matter to attend to.” – Bernama, May 6, 2021
