Prohibited Homecoming, Traders In Cipali Toll Rest Area Bite Finger

SUBANG - Traders selling in rest areas or rest areas along the Trans Java toll road have complained about the prohibition of homecoming. The policy cut their income.

"Since morning until this afternoon, there has not been a single item of merchandise that has been sold", said Eem, a food seller at the 102-kilometer rest area of the Cipali Toll Road, Subang, West Java, as quoted by Antara, Friday, May 7.

In fact, yesterday, the income after a day of selling was only IDR 20,000 because few residents traveled and stopped by the rest area.

"This year is worse than last year because travel drivers are not allowed to carry passengers, that's why sales are not selling", said Eem. Even though the income during the ban on homecoming this time was minimal but traders had made a fortune before the policy was implemented, namely on May 3-5, because many travelers stole the start.

"A day selling can get IDR 4 million, some can get IDR 10 million, even IDR 11 million because many people homecoming on that date", said Eem.

During the implementation of the policy of prohibiting homecoming on May 6-17, 2021, traders at rest areas can only survive by using part of the profits previously made for operational costs. They did not close the shop even though the merchandise was not sold.

"Now all we can do is survive and keep opening shop", said Teguh, a batik and accessories trader at the 360-kilometer rest area for the Semarang-Batang toll road, Central Java.

During the period of the May 6-17 homecoming ban, all passenger vehicles ranging from private cars to buses to motorbikes are prohibited from operating.

If the community is reckless in violating it, the officer will give sanctions in the form of a U-turn or punishment according to the applicable provisions. The policy was carried out to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, which often increases during long holidays.

Although the government strictly prohibits homecoming, several types of vehicles are still allowed to pass, namely logistics distribution service vehicles, work or service needs, visits from sick families, visits from bereaved families, pregnant women accompanied by one family member, and the need for childbirth.