Solo City Government Bans New Year's Celebration, Christmas Services Are Still Waiting For The Ministry Of Religion's Direction

Mayor of Surakarta FX Hadi Rudyatmo (ANTARA)

SOLO - The Municipal Government of Surakarta, Central Java, has banned New Year's 2021 celebrations as long as the COVID-19 case cannot be controlled. Meanwhile, the Christmas service is still waiting for the direction of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag).

"For the service, we will wait for the direction from the Ministry of Religion first. If the Archdiocese has said that Catholics are prohibited from going home, but Natalan is not only Catholic, but also Christian," said Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, December 15.

FX Rudy said that so far the Association of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) has not issued instructions either.

"What is certain is that if the activity creates a crowd, then the police will act," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding the quarantine rules for Christmas and New Year 2021 travelers, he said, would be regulated in a new circular (SE) which would be issued on December 18, 2020.

"So the quarantine rules for travelers will start on December 19, from D-7 to D + 7," he said.

FX Rudy said that the quarantine regulation only applies to travelers, while tourists and the public will not be subject to quarantine sanctions.

"If tourists sleep in hotels, but if the tourists are positive for COVID-19, then the hotel must be closed. Yes, the hotel must be responsible, don't blame the government for all," he said.

He also asked the hotel manager to ensure the condition of the guests, including immediately taking them to the hospital if the temperature is high.