East Java Governor: Suramadu Bridge Closed On New Year's Eve

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

SURABAYA - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa confirmed that the Suramadu Bridge will be closed on New Year's Eve 2022, starting at 20.00 WIB to 05.00 WIB.

"At eight o'clock at night on December 31, 2021, it will be closed, then it will be opened at 5 am on January 1, 2022," he told reporters at the Grahadi State building in Surabaya, Monday, December 27.

This policy was taken as an effort to anticipate community gatherings on New Year's Eve, as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19, which has not yet ended.

In addition to closing the 5.4 kilometer long bridge, at the same time, all squares in 38 regencies/cities in East Java were closed.

Not only that, all major roads that have the potential to be used for community gatherings and convoys will also be closed at the same time.

"In Surabaya, for example in the Kenjeran area, then Jalan Tunjungan, Raya Darmo and its surroundings. Everything is confirmed to be closed starting at eight at night," said Khofifah.

However, he said, some exceptions were still allowed to pass, such as vehicles related to logistics, fuel oil, emergencies, especially health services.

Khofifah reminded that there will be no New Year's Eve celebrations in all areas, including gatherings, setting off fireworks or parades around the city.

"Those who gather with family and relatives are limited to no more than 50 people," said the first female governor in East Java.

"Let's maintain a very good atmosphere. God willing, COVID-19 in East Java is currently under control and don't be careless about health protocols on every line, wherever they are," he added.

Khofifah previously appealed to the public to limit mobility ahead of the holiday period in the framework of Christmas 2021 and New Year 2022.

This appeal was followed by several concrete efforts in the transportation and tourism sectors to anticipate the entry of the third wave, especially the new variant of the COVID-19 virus, Omicron.