JAKARTA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government has told its people not to travel abroad during Muslims' Eid al-Fitr holidays, which will run from April 29 to May 8, in a bid to avoid a possible spike in COVID-19 infections.
"Many other countries have seen increases in coronavirus infections. The pandemic is not over yet. So, we urge people in Indonesia not to travel outside the country during the long holidays," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto told a press conference on Monday.
Previously, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said all people should remain cautious against any potential of a surge in COVID-19 infections caused by the homecoming tradition of Eid al-Fitr holidays.
"We have to be careful and should not let this long holidays trigger another new wave of COVID-19 cases," Widodo said.
The warning to avoid spending holidays outside the country comes despite the government's decision to waive a number of restrictions for international travels.
According to the latest circular issued by the Indonesian COVID-19 Task Force, the government has opened more entry points for international arrivals through airports and seaports. ■
