Muhaimin Criticizes Jokowi About Chinese Foreigners Entering Indonesia But Prohibited Homecoming: Society Confused

Muhaimin Iskandar (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the DPR and Chair of the DPR's COVID-19 Disaster Management Implementation Team, Muhaimin Iskandar, asked the Joko Widodo (Jokowi) government to make a policy that rejects all arrivals of foreign nationals (WNA) during the period of the homecoming ban.

"People are currently trying to comply with the rules on the prohibition of going home and limiting mobility during the Lebaran holidays," he said as quoted by Antara, Sunday, May 9.

The Deputy Speaker of the DPR said this was related to the arrival of as many as 85 foreigners from China who is currently in the public spotlight.

Muhaimin is of the opinion that the entry of a group of foreigners to Indonesia in the midst of the ban on going home will inevitably cause conflict in the community and raise public perceptions. According to him, currently developing public opinion regarding policies to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 does not apply fairly and thoroughly.

Therefore, Muhaimin said it was appropriate for the COVID-19 Handling Task Force to explain to the public that foreigners were still allowed to enter in the midst of the policy of prohibiting homecoming, which is being promoted by the government ahead of Eid and the anticipation of the entry of new variants.

"Because this condition confuses people who have limited mobility during Eid," said Muhaimin.

He encouraged the Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Handling Task Force to ensure that all foreigners and Indonesian citizens arriving from abroad can comply with the rules of international travel health protocol during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Netty Prasetiyani, also highlighted the entry of Chinese citizens to Indonesia in the midst of the policy of prohibiting homecoming for the community as an insensitive act that could invite public questions.

"Of course, the public will wonder why Chinese citizens are allowed to enter Indonesia, even though people are prohibited from going home and there are many blockages," said Netty.

He argued that so that this issue would not become a wild ball, the government must clearly explain to the public their reasons and goals for entering Indonesia, in the midst of the danger of a surge in COVID cases, especially since new variants have been confirmed to exist in Indonesia.

Previously, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights said 157 foreigners who arrived in the country from Guangzhou, China, had complied with immigration regulations.

"All foreigners have fulfilled immigration regulations with the types of visas and activities in accordance with Menkumham Regulation No. 26/2020, namely for work activities, not for tourist visits," said the Director-General of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Jhoni Ginting in a written statement received in Jakarta, Saturday, 8. May.

A total of 157 foreigners from the Bamboo Curtain country arrived by plane China Southern Airlines CZ387 (regular flight) from Guangzhou at 05.00 western Indonesia time. All foreigners have also obtained recommendations from the competent authorities.

Before the immigration check is carried out, all passengers have received a clearance recommendation by the Port Health Office of the Ministry of Health.

"Immigration officers will not give permission to enter if the passengers do not pass the medical examination according to the protocol for the arrival of people from abroad that has been determined by the COVID-19 Handling Task Force," he said.

Until now, the prohibition still applies to foreigners who wish to visit Indonesia for tourism purposes.

The government has also temporarily suspended the granting of free visit visas and visa on arrival (VOA) since early March 2020 to prevent a spike in the spread of COVID-19.