Government Allows Lebaran Home, DPR: Good, But Give Ease For Those Who Have Not Got The Booster Vaccine

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX of the House of Representatives, Saleh Partaonan Daulay, welcomed the government's policy of allowing people to go home for Lebaran this year.

He hopes that this policy can cure people's longing to return home. Especially, people who for the last 2 years have not had the opportunity to go home.

"This policy is good. It is very aspirational and meets the demands of the community. Moreover, currently the spread of the COVID-19 virus is more controlled," said Saleh, Thursday, March 24.

Even so, according to Saleh, this policy needs to be accompanied by aspects of wisdom, especially regarding the mandatory booster vaccine requirements. Because Saleh said, this will be a problem because there are many community members who have not had their turn to be boosted.

"The booster vaccine is already running. However, not all of them can be carried out simultaneously. There are schedules and targets that have been programmed. It is certain that not everyone who wants to go home has been boosted," he said.

"It's not because they don't want to be vaccinated. It's more a matter of time and the capacity of our vaccinators in various regions. Especially in big cities where a lot of people are going home. Even if they work hard, I think there will be limitations," Saleh continued.

Therefore, the North Sumatran Legislator said that there is wisdom for those who have not been vaccinated with the booster. Moreover, many PPKM regulations have been implemented. For example, there is no PCR/swab obligation for travellers, the abolition of quarantine for PPLN, relaxation in places of worship, schools, community meeting places, and so on.

Even if it can be relaxed, added Saleh, this booster obligation should be exempted for certain people. Especially those who have not had their turn to be vaccinated.

"If you want to provide convenience, of course it will be very helpful. It is believed that the community will be very happy. Even though at the same time, we will continue to encourage the acceleration of the booster vaccination program," he said.

Previously, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy signaled that people were allowed to go home during the Idul Fitri Eid in April-May 2022.

"It has not been discussed (in detail), but God willing, we can go home. God willing. We just want to tidy up the rules," said Muhadjir Effendy, at the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Jakarta, Tuesday, March 22.

He revealed that one of the requirements for going home was that Masya had carried out a complete COVID-19 vaccination and a booster vaccine.

"Just in case, let's immediately complete two doses of vaccine and booster. There's a lot of boosters. We make sure those with boosters are safe to go home," added Muhadjir Effendy.