M Julnis Firmansyah, Jakarta – The Metro Jaya Police traffic unit announced it had arrested dozens of illegal Eid 'mudik' transportation services ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

These types of services basically smuggle people out of provincial borders effectively violating the government ban against the exodus of people traveling to their hometown – a policy introduced to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The act of mudik, exodus, or Eid homecoming, will be officially banned starting on May 6 to May 17.

"We have arrested dozens of illegal travel services and we are now gathering them. We will expose them on Friday," said Metro Jaya Police traffic director Grand Commissioner Sambodo Purnomo Yogo on April 28.

Despite not revealing the exact number of mudik services that the police nabbed, Sambodo insists police will continue to patrol the streets to prevent transportation businesses from illegally transporting people across provinces.

"This is to deter those who still try to attempt it," said Sambodo Purnomo.

Traffic law Article 308 of Law No. 2/2009 charges mudik violators with a maximum two month imprisonment and maximum fine of Rp500,000. The Jakarta transportation agency previously announced the enforcement of the mudik ban will involve police by establishing police posts in border areas.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1457081/police-nab-illegal-transport-services-violating-ban-on-mudi