Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health protocol compliance during this year's Eid homecoming could become an initial step for Indonesia’s transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase, Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Minister, Johnny G. Plate, has said.

In a press statement issued on Monday, he said he expects this year's homecoming to serve as an important indicator that Indonesia has managed to control the pandemic and mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic.

The homecoming is expected to be the starting point for the nation for heading toward the endemic phase, he added during a Kominfo Family Gathering event.

The homecoming activity has gone well and smoothly despite it taking place amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted.

The minister also lauded people for following the health protocols during homecoming and preserving the smoothness of the activity.

He also wished everyone a Happy Eid al-Fitr 1443 Hijri.

In the statement, the ministry's secretary general, Mira Tayyiba, said that holding a social gathering to mark the celebration of Eid al-Fitr is a part of the ministry's duty, which is connecting the unconnected.

This duty not only applies in terms of providing Internet access, she explained.

She said the ministry's social gathering event on Monday, though simple, is still hoped to prove meaningful, in accordance with its goal.

Tayyiba also said that she expects the positive energy and joyous atmosphere after gathering with families during the holiday to be channeled into work in order to complete various targets and work programs.

This year, for the first time since Indonesia was pummeled by the pandemic, the government allowed homecoming travel during the Eid al-Fitr collective leave period.

To stem the spread of COVID-19, homecomers who had not received the complete dose of the vaccine were asked to submit negative antigen or PCR test results.

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Translator: Natisha A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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