Doni Monardo Says Java Island Prepares For The Arrival Of 440,000 Backflow Travelers

Bakauheni Port (Photo: Doc. Between)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 Doni Monardo estimates that around 440,000 travelers will make a backflow to Java in the near future. The amount refers to the data reported by the Bakauheni Port authority.

"We obtained data from ASDP (River, Lake, and Crossing Transportation) and Bakauheni Port that there were 440,014 people crossing from Merak to Sumatra in the Eid al-Fitr period. Referring to this, it is predicted that this figure will probably return at the same time and relatively simultaneously", he said in a virtual talk show, Saturday, May 15.

Doni added that in order to facilitate the mobility, it instructs relevant stakeholders to maximize all available infrastructure.

"All anticipatory measures have been taken to optimize existing resources, including swab officers from the local area as well as the central government", he said.

In his note, there are 7 piers that are fully operational with 69 ferry fleets on standby.

"Including logistics for medical purposes and rapid tests we have prepared", he said.

Most recently, Doni mentioned that he has brought 200,000 rapid antigen tests to Lampung province to support the smooth backflow while anticipating the spread of COVID-19.

On this occasion, the retired TNI also reminded the opening of tourist attractions on the Eid holiday this year should not exceed 50 percent of the maximum capacity.

If that cannot be fulfilled by the management, doni suggests eliminating operational activities to prevent new clusters from spreading pandemics.

"If it is considered a danger to the community then it should be closed", he said.