Indonesia prohibits Ramadan mass exodus to contain COVID-19 outbreak

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Tuesday announced the prohibition of the mass exodus tradition, locally known as "mudik", to curb the spread of COVID-19 ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, reported Xinhua news agency.

"Today, I want to announce that 'mudik' will also be banned," the president said in at a limited cabinet meeting via teleconference.

Widodo said the government would set necessary measures to carry out the ban.

Earlier, the government issued regulations prohibiting civil servants, military and police personnel from returning to their hometowns.

Ramadan in Indonesia will begin on Thursday evening and end on May 23. -BERNAMA