Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Secretary General Amirsyah Tambunan emphasized public adherence to the government’s homecoming exodus ban, so that cases of rampant COVID-19 transmission do not increase again as observed in countries, such as India.

"The homecoming exodus ban has certainly been imposed following a study and review based on factual data," Tambunan noted at a press conference of the Task Force for Handling COVID-19 at Graha BNPB Jakarta, Friday.

The MUI secretary general remarked that during the long holidays, the movement of residents and crowds usually increases, and this condition raises the risk of contracting COVID-19.

"I want to remind the public. What happened in India should be taken as one of the valuable lessons for us and to not repeat it in Indonesia. I want to remind the public to not repeat it, so we really keep this valuable lesson in mind," Tambunan reiterated.

India is facing another drastic increase in COVID-19 cases, and 127 Indians reportedly arrived in Indonesia aboard a chartered aircraft on April 21, 2021, at a time when the country is facing a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Amirsyah urged the public to prevent a spike in the cases of COVID-19 transmission by refraining from going home.

Government spokesperson for handling COVID-19 Prof. Wiku Adisasmito also reminded the public to comply with the ban on the homecoming exodus imposed by the government

"The government is really keen to ensure that Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr celebrations would not trigger an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases after the month of Ramadan and also with the Eid al-Fitr holidays," he stated. Related news: Lombok airport to limit flight operations during 'mudik' ban: official
Related news: BNPB head cautions Indonesians to not breach government's "mudik" ban


EDITED BY INE

Translator: Prisca T, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021