Minimizing The Widespread Of COVID-19, Implementation Of Free Homecoming 2020 Held

Angkasa Pura II free homecoming in 2019 (Photo: Angkasa Pura II)

JAKARTA - The corona virus or COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic. In fact, Indonesia continues to experience an increase in cases. Therefore, the Ministry of Transportation through the Directorate General of Land Transportation officially eliminated the free homecoming program during the 2020 Lebaran Transportation.

Director General of Land Transportation Budi Setiyadi said this policy was taken after considering the status of a certain emergency situation for the COVID-19 virus outbreak in Indonesia which was valid for 91 days from 29 February to 29 May 2020.

Budi explained, both the free homecoming program held by the Ministry of Transportation, BUMN, and the private sector would be eliminated. This decision is to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from spreading.

"I think this is the right decision, even if it is tough, the free homecoming will be canceled," he said, through a written statement received by VOI, in Jakarta, Monday, March 23.

Kemenhub, said Budi, hopes that the public can understand and obey what the government is doing. At present, his party is also actively encouraging people not to go home, minimize mobilization so as not to expand the possibility of transmitting COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Budi said, for the Directorate General of Land Transportation, both the free homecoming by bus and ferry will also be eliminated. "Currently we will change our focus, helping each other between the central and regional governments to overcome the transmission of COVID-19," he explained.

"We know that going home means there is a large flow of people who will travel. This is certainly dangerous and has a high risk if it continues," he continued.

Budi also appealed to the public not to travel, let alone do homecoming during the Lebaran holidays. Meanwhile, for people who have registered for free homecoming, his party apologizes for this cancellation.

"This homecoming involves a lot of masses, has the potential to become a point of spread of the virus. Those traveling to their respective areas have the potential to make the area of the spread of COVID-19 even wider. We will intensify this campaign continuously," he said.