Indonesia Bans Flights To Prevent Raya 'Balik Kampung' To Contain Covid-19

By Mohd Shukri Ishak JAKARTA, April 23 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian authorities Thursday imposed a ban on all domestic and international commercial and private flights effective tomorrow (Friday) to June 1 as a measure to check the spread ofVID-19. Transport Ministry director-general of aviation Novie Riyanto said the decision is in keeping with a decree of Indonesian President Joko Widodo prohibiting all balik kampung (return-to-village) travel to celebrate Aidilfitri. Indonesians Friday begin the month-long Ramadan fast that culminates in the Aidilfitri celebration. The usual Aidilfitri balik kampung travel sees the exodus of millions of people from Jakarta and nearby cities to the provinces throughout the country via air, land and sea transportation. Novie said the travel prohibition is exempted for the country’s top leaders, foreign dignitaries and flights bringing back Indonesians and ferrying foreign nationals back to their countries. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had announced earlier that Indonesia has imposed a ban on its people travelling abroad and foreigners entering the country for an indefinite period from March 20 to contain the spread of COVID-19. -- BERNAMA