Gov't Prepares for Spread of Covid-19 During Ramadan

Jakarta. Indonesia's chief security minister, Mahfud M.D., said on Wednesday the government has held meetings with religious institutions and figures to discuss the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak on the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan from April to May.
"The pandemic is expected to reach its peak here during Ramadan. We have to prepare how to manage crowds during tarawih [Ramadan evening prayer], iftar [fast-breaking meals] and mudik [Idul Fitri rush]. But no decision has been made so far," Mahfud said.
On March 13, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) said the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak in Indonesia was likely to fall on the 60th to 80th day since the first cases were announced, which means the end of April or May.
On March 17, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) extended the national emergency for Covid-19 to May 29.
Meanwhile, Idul Fitri will fall on May 24-25.
The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, said he had asked the Transportation Ministry to act on measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during Ramadan and other religions celebrations.
"I have requested the Transportation Ministry to prepare the options. The president will discuss them with the Indonesian Ulama Council [MUI]," Luhut said in a virtual press conference at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment headquarters in Jakarta.
Discipline on Social Distancing
Luhut also appealed to the public to follow the government's advice to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by exercising social distancing.
"Covid-19 is still spreading because a lot of people still make physical contact with each other and don't report when they have symptoms, and that's dangerous. We have to exercise discipline," Luhut said.
Luhut asked the public to trust the government because all its decisions are based on inputs from experts.
"We always follow the best possible options, though they might not necessarily be perfect. The situation is rapidly changing," Luhut said.
Mahfud said the government has so far made no decision to lock down affected cities.
Meanwhile, law enforcers have been ordered to arrest people who stockpile goods and spread Covid-19 hoaxes.
"The government [Covid-19] task force has created safety protocols, and ministries have prepared equipment and facilities for the public. So far, the situation is under control as long as people act orderly. We have to act cohesively to deal with Covid-19," Mahfud said.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Prabowo to Launch GovTech Super App, Requiring Every Family to Have a Bank Account
“Based on our initial calculations, digitalization could save us Rp 100 trillion ($6 billion) in unnecessary spending,” Luhut said.Frugal Ramadan Spending Puts Pressure on Indonesia's Economy
Indonesia’s Ramadan economy slows as weaker consumer spending, mass layoffs, and deflation curb growth amid economic uncertainty.Pupuk Indonesia Gives Roudlotul Muta'allimin School a Spring Clean
The spring-cleaning is part of Pupuk Indonesia's Sobat Aksi Ramadan campaign.Egypt, Saudi Arabia Become Indonesia's Top Date Suppliers for Ramadan
Indonesia's date imports were worth nearly $38.8 million in the first two months of 2025 or ahead of Ramadan, BPS says.Government Forms Special Team to Review Regulations Hindering Investments
Luhut noted that several investment-related policies are considered unfavorable to investors and should be abolished or revised.Aryaduta Bali Celebrates Ramadan with Special Room, Iftar Offers
Aryaduta Bali will hold the "Senja Berbuka" iftar buffet every evening during Ramadan.East Java’s Contrasting Tarawih Traditions: 10 Minutes vs. 8 Hours
Two East Java boarding schools observe contrasting tarawih prayers—one lasting 10 minutes, the other stretching 8 hours.Indonesia Has Enough Food Supplies for the Next Five Months: Gov't
Agricultural Minister Andi Amran also urges sellers to not sell food commodities beyond the maximum retail price.Gov’t Plans Relocation for Flood-Prone Homes as Residents Endure Ramadan Hardships
Indonesia plans to relocate homes in flood-prone areas, while residents struggle with ongoing flooding that disrupts daily life and Ramadan.Deflation and Layoffs Weaken Indonesia’s Ramadan Spending
Indonesia’s Ramadan spending is set to slow as deflation, job losses, and weak consumer demand curb household spending and retail sales.The Latest
End of the Road: Supreme Court Seals 15-Year Sentence for Johnny Plate
The ruling marks the end of Johnny’s legal battle, confirming that he has exhausted all possible avenues for appeal.Indonesia’s Rice Reserves Set to Hit Record 4 Million Tons
The previous record for rice reserves was set in September 1985 at 3 million tons, achieved over nine months.China Seeks United Front With Latin America in Countering Trump's Trade War
China has become a reliable trade and development partner for many, in contrast to the uncertainty and instability of Trump’s America.Colonel Among 13 Dead in Accidental Explosion During Army Operation
Colonel Antonius Hermawan was the highest-ranking officer killed in the incident, which also claimed the lives of nine civilians.Main Road Connecting Samarinda and Balikpapan Collapses After Heavy Flooding
The road was unable to withstand the strong floodwaters that had struck Samarinda since Monday.Most Popular
