Asked About The Safety Of This Year's Eid, Mahfud MD: We Will Maximize It Even Though There Are Problems

Photo of police security at takbiran night (Photo via TMC Polda Metro Jaya)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said that there were many shortcomings in the implementation of Eid Al-Fitr 1443 Hijri, including going home. However, he ensured that the government had maximized security so that the situation remained conducive.

"Security, thank God, we are maximizing it even though there are problems here and there," Mahfud told reporters in Jakarta, Tuesday, May 2.

One of the shortcomings referred to by Mahfud is the occurrence of congestion on a number of homecoming routes that are passed by the community. But this is a common occurrence because it is difficult to stem the enthusiasm of the travelers.

In addition, there are also many homecomers who do not understand the travel scheme that has been arranged by the police.

"Because 87 million people are not a big number. So it could happen, for example, many people, because they didn't understand the announcement, then at a time that was still closed and stormed to the toll gate, so it was jammed, in Merak as well," he said.

Even so, Mahfud said the government would try to make going home this year comfortable.

"The important thing is that the people who are going home are aware that this is our common life and for worship. Worship should not cause damage. Worship always creates comfort and coolness," he said.

As previously reported, the government has allowed anyone to return to their hometown. The reason is that currently the number of cases of the spread of COVID-19 can be suppressed.

However, those who are going home are required to receive two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, those who have been injected with a booster or a third dose of vaccine no longer need to undergo an antigen-based COVID-19 test or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) when returning home.