Gov’t to Take Stricter Measures to Anticipate Post-Mudik Flow

The Government will take several measures to anticipate the potential flow of homecoming travelers which is predicted to occur 3 days to 7 days after Eid al-Fitr (16-20 May 2021), by increasing random testing to passengers of private vehicles and public transport at access roads including roads to residential areas, and establishing a working committee in Lampung Province.

Spokesperson of COVID-19 National Working Committee Wiku Adisasmito said that the anticipative measures must be taken to address a significant increase in COVID-19 positive cases in almost all provinces in Sumatra Island.

In May, contribution of Java Island to all confirmed cases in Indonesia decreased by 11.06 percent, while mortality rate of the Island decreased by 16.07 percent. On the other hand, contribution of Java Island to the national total cases rose by 27.22 percent, while mortality rate of the Island also increased by 17.18 percent. For that reasons, COVID-19 National Working Committee has issued a Letter Number 46/05 of 2021 on the Anticipation of Travelers during Eid al-Fitr 1442 Hijri Post-Mudik (Annual Exodus) Period.

“Under the Letter, regional heads particularly in Sumatra Island are ordered to run a thorough check on people’s travel documents on homecoming reverse flow period,” Wiku said on Thursday (13/5).

Based on Circular Number 13 of 2021, the travel documents cover travel permit and a certificate of a negative result of PCR, rapid test antigen, or GeNose which is valid for 3 days within mudik ban period. Meanwhile, the certificate of COVID-19 negative result is only valid for one day during people’s mobility restriction after Eid period on 18 to 24 May 2021.

“Anyone who is not feeling well and unable to show travel document and travel permit are not allowed to go on,” he said.

In addition, the Government will also conduct random testing at several locations to intensify COVID-19 screening process and establish a working committee in Lampung Province to examine documents of the travelers before they head to Java Island.

For those traveling from Lampung to Jakarta using ferry, they must undergo screening and take rapid test antigen at Bakauheni Seaport and several rest areas near the seaport. As for people traveling from East and West Java to Jakarta by using national roads, they will be tested in several points, such as Karawan weighbridge, Balonggandu, Pos Tegal, and Bubuk Susulan. In addition, testing points for vehicles using toll roads are located in 13 rest areas and 5 toll gates. (COMMUNICATION TEAM OF COVID-19 NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE/UN) (RAS/LW)