Government Asks People Not To Go Abroad During Eid Holidays

ILLUSTRATION/Soekarno-Hatta Airport/ANTARA

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto asked the public not to travel abroad during the long Eid holiday this year.

The government previously set a joint leave for Eid al-Fitr 1443 Hijri on April 29, May 4, May 5, and May 6 so that there is a long holiday during the Lebaran season. The government has also allowed going home this year.

"With the long holiday, the public is also advised not to travel abroad," said Airlangga in a press conference on the results of the Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) evaluation, broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat Youtube, Monday, April 18.

Airlangga asked the public to understand that although the pandemic conditions in Indonesia have improved, this is different from other countries. For example, currently Shanghai, China is implementing a lockdown.

According to Airlangga, the government does not want Indonesians traveling abroad to contract COVID-19 and bring the virus into Indonesia. Bearing in mind, currently, the quarantine period for foreign travelers (PPLN) has also been removed.

"There is the potential for transmission from abroad, so this is certainly a warning to all of us that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. Therefore, we must remain vigilant," said Airlangga.

"And we see that in several countries including Shanghai, China, there is an increase. Of course, we don't want the increase to bring the virus which will be brought by our PPLN into the country," said Airlangga.

Airlangga also said that there was concessions given by the government during Eid al-Fitr.

The government allows people to do halal-bibalal during Eid this year. However, with a note, this family and relative gathering activity is carried out without eating and drinking together.

"Mr. President gave notes related to activities ahead of the halal-bihalal later. Especially for halal-bihalal activities held with health protocols and advised not to eat and drink," said Airlangga.