An Option For Eid 2020 Homecoming Prohibition Appears During The COVID-19 Pandemic

JAKARTA - The government is reviewing the rules for people who want to return to their hometowns or go home in Lebaran 2020 when the corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of government agencies have decided to ban or eliminate activities that facilitate people to return to their hometowns during the Eid COVID-19 homecoming period.

Special Staff to the Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, Kastorius Sinaga, said that this ban must be taken to prevent any activities that could potentially spread the virus.

"The concrete thing that stakeholders can do together is the prohibition of implementing the 'homecoming together' tradition this year. Moreover, usually, going home together is synonymous with high mass gathering at the time of departure, on the way and also at the destination," said Kastorius, Thursday. , March 26.

He added that an appeal from the government regarding physical distancing still needs to be done to reduce the spread of the virus. This appeal has also been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to various regions.

"Actually, it also means the same as the recommendation to postpone the homecoming in the framework of Lebaran," said Kastorius.

Meanwhile, Police Head of National Police Inspector General Istiono said the homecoming scheme would still be prepared by the Police to anticipate the flow of Lebaran 2020 homecoming. However, Polri is waiting for confirmation from the government for more details.

"Just wait for the government's decision. We will compile the scenario, whether this 2020 homecoming is an appeal or a ban," he said.

Currently the National Police is still carrying out the announcement of the Chief of Police, General Idham Azis, which prohibits the public from gathering as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. "What is clear is that the Police have carried out the Chief of Police's announcement regarding the prohibition of crowding to prevent the Covid-19 virus," he said.

Public Policy Analysis Trubus Rahadiansyah advised the government to prohibit people who want to return to their hometowns on Lebaran 2020. He said the government could make temporary regulations to suppress people's desire to go home.

The method, continued Trubus, is to cooperate with related parties to reduce fuel supply, close airports and ports, and increase toll road prices. So, people will think again about returning to their hometowns.

"The only way to prohibit going home. If it is only in the form of an appeal, it will not be effective," said Trubus.

Apart from that, the government must also prepare other alternatives. For example, cooperating with the private sector to eliminate telephone charges or the like during the homecoming period.

"This can be done by reducing the cost of the internet. So that people can video call their families in their hometowns," said Trubus.