Indonesian Government does not restrict mudik for this year. Should it be restricted? (Image via Kompas)

New COVID-19 variant, DPR asks Transportation Ministry to reconsider mudik

Deputy Speaker of the People's House of Representatives (DPR), Azis Syamsuddin, asked the Transportation Minister, Budi Karya Sumadi, to reconsider the 2021 plan to allow Indonesian people to observe Eid al-Fitr's exodus (mudik). Speaking on Wednesday during a press conference, the request came considering Indonesia's battle against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the emergence of its new variant, more infectious B117.

Azis added that the Indonesian people will also refrain from going mudik this year. Curbing mudik is essential in order to prevent another widespread of COVID-19 in the family cluster and their hometowns. The Vice-Chairman of the Party of Functional Groups (Golkar) also suggested that the Eid al-Fitr's tradition such as gathering with family may be done through technology such as video conferences through various platforms.

Predicting the worst, Azis believed that there would be people who would keep going on mudik for the 2021 Eid al-Fitr whatever it takes, despite the restriction from the Indonesian Government.

Previously, Budi Karya stated on Tuesday that the Indonesian Government has no intention to restrict the 2021 mudik. Speaking at the Work Meeting with DPR's Commission V, the Transportation Ministry, collaborating with the Indonesian COVID-19 Task Force, will compile a stricter COVID-19 health protocol in order to prevent COVID-19 widespread.

Speaking at a press conference broadcast through the official YouTube channel of the National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB), the Spokesperson of the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, asserted that allowing people to go mudik for the 2021 Eid al-Fitr is still under discussion between the related Ministries and agencies.

Source: https://bit.ly/3txQDKf