Denpasar Police Chief Jansen Avitus Panjaitan said that travelers defying the upcoming mudik ban will be strictly sanctioned, as authorities anticipate increased mobility ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Mudik, the annual homecoming exodus tradition that coincides with Eid al-Fitr, is banned this year from May 6 to 17 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as officials hope to reduce potential risks of transmission.
Under existing laws, including the 2018 Health Quarantine Law, Jansen said travelers defying the mudik ban may be subject to up to a year in prison or a maximum fine of IDR100 million (US$6,838).
“Now that the mudik ban will be in place we can see it from a positive light, there are no other intentions but to suppress transmission of COVID-19 together. With the upcoming ban we will also conduct preventive measures,” Jansen said, referring to efforts on educating the general public about the ban and regular patrols.
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