Tanjungpinang, Batamnews - The Provincial Government (Pemprov) of Riau Islands (Kepri) has determined and decided to eliminate local Eid travel in the province at the moment of Idul Fitri 1442 H/2021.

However, the Provincial Government excludes people who have urgent needs and reasons.

"After conducting a joint meeting with all policymakers in Riau Islands Province, it is hereby eliminated the local Eid travel in the province. We share a narrative with the central government to eliminate Eid travel," said Governor of Riau Islands Ansar Ahmad at the Regional Building, Tanjungpinang, Tuesday (4/5/2021) afternoon.

The ban on local Eid travel, said Ansar, is conducted after observing the condition of the surge in Covid-19 cases which continued to show an increase in all areas in Riau Islands Province.

"On this basis, we have taken a joint decision to eliminate the Idul Fitri travel 1442 H/2021," he said.

For the people of Riau Islands who must and have very important and urgent needs, the government still excludes and provides concessions but with several terms and conditions that have been set.

For instance, people who are sick to get treatment, their parents and siblings have died. However, a certificate from the hospital must be included and this must be informed by letters from local officials such as from the local RT and RW.

"Civil servants are allowed as long as they have a letter of assignment from their superiors and the reasons are clear. Likewise, private employees who have to return to their hometown for the above reasons must show a letter from their company," explained Ansar.

The implementation of this ban will take effect on May 6, 2021, and later joint officers of the Covid-19 Task Force will be assigned to each gate of the port of departure.