Budi Sutrisno, Jakarta – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has issued a decree on Friday banning all Jakarta residents from leaving Greater Jakarta, with the exception of travel serving essential needs, in an effort to curb interregional transmission of COVID-19.
The provincial administration, however, does allow residents to go on the traditional mudik (exodus) to visit family members within the Greater Jakarta area following recent public confusion caused by conflicting statements from various agencies on the matter.
According to Gubernatorial Regulation No. 47/2020 on travel limitations out of and into Greater Jakarta, people wishing to leave the metropolitan area are required to obtain a Jakarta Exit and Entry Permit (SIKM).
"Jakarta residents are not permitted to travel outside Greater Jakarta, and their [mobility] is restricted, so that we can keep COVID-19 under control," Anies said in a statement on Friday.
He added that the limitation did not apply to people travelling within Greater Jakarta for work in essential sectors.
However, Anies stopped short of allowing a local mudik during the upcoming Idul Fitri holidays.
Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) head Arifin separately said Greater Jakarta residents would be allowed to visit their relatives living in the capital and its satellite cities.
"Greater Jakarta is an inseparable, interconnected region. It will be difficult to limit people's movement within this area, as many people living in satellite cities often go to the capital to work and do other activities," said Arifin.
He added that such a provision would only apply to Jakarta ID holders. Others would not be allowed to leave the Greater Jakarta area even if they had lived around the capital for a long time, Arifin went on to say.
Arifin echoed an earlier statement by National Police traffic corps operational head Sr. Comr. Benyamin, who said a local mudik within Greater Jakarta area would be allowed as long as residents complied with the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB).
Anies said the travel ban would not apply to workers in essential sectors, including state officials, members of international organizations, security personnel and medical workers.
Those exempted from the ban must apply for a Jakarta SIKM before embarking on trips, which they can do through the corona.jakarta.go.id website, where they may fill in an application form detailing their travel plans.
There are two types of SIKM: one for recurring trips for people living in the capital but having business or work in Greater Jakarta, and the other for one-time visits for people from outside the metropolitan area who have urgent needs in Jakarta.
Successful applicants receive a QR code to be scanned by officers manning checkpoints on the capital's borders.
Despite the exemptions, Anies urged Jakarta residents to continue to stay at home and adhere to the PSBB, as Jakarta was currently in "a very defining moment."