Despite The Proposal For Dispensation, The Vice President And The Minister Of Religion Were Believed To Have One Voice About The Prohibition Of Homecoming

DOK ANTARA / Vice President Ma'ruf Amin

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Religion, Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi, stated that Vice President Ma'ruf Amin and Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas have one voice regarding the ban on going home during the pandemic. Both are considered to ask that this government decision be obeyed by all elements of society.

"I see the same affirmation from the Vice President and the Minister of Religion, that there is a ban on going home on May 6-17 which must be obeyed. There is no dispensation, this prohibition applies to all," said Zainut as quoted by Antara, Thursday, April 29.

Previously, a question arose in the public regarding the difference in opinion of the Vice President and Minister of Religion regarding homecoming. Ma'ruf Amin, through his spokesman, asked that there be dispensation for the homecoming of the students in the midst of restrictions on the movement of the community.

Not long ago, Minister of Religion Yaqut Qoumas then issued a statement that there was no dispensation for going home for anyone, including students. This prohibition is intended to prevent the creation of new clusters both on their return home and when they return to the pesantren.

Regarding dispensation, the Deputy Minister of Religion said the request was made before the homecoming prohibition period, namely May 6-17. Meanwhile, at this time, he said, the movement of the people was tightening.

"People who are going to travel, should follow the provisions that apply during the tightening period," he said.

According to the Deputy Minister of Religion, the Indonesian people need to learn from the massive spread of COVID-19 in a number of countries, especially India, which causes a surge in cases like a "tsunami" and a high mortality rate.

The public also should not assume that vaccination will stop the transmission of COVID-19 and then ignore health protocols. Vaccination is actually carried out to suppress the symptoms that arise when exposed.

"The ban on going home on May 6-17 is implemented in that context, as a measure to anticipate the spread of COVID-19," he said.