The Indonesian government has urged Chinese communities in the country to stay home and avoid crowds amid the festivities, while local authorities have limited temples’ capacities as a precautionary measure to curb coronavirus infections.
In spite of a capacity limit imposed at the temples and other restrictions, Chinese communities in the country are still continuing to perform most rituals and traditions of the Lunar new year.
Meanwhile PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Operational Area (Daop) 1 Jakarta stated that the number of train passengers increased by three times compared to normal days on the Lunar New Year holiday this weekend. The increase in the number of passengers can be seen through ticket booking data on February 11-14.
In total, for the 11-14 February period, there were around 16 thousand passengers departing from the Daop 1 Jakarta area. PT KAI adds travel services of 25 long-distance trains per day departing from Gambir Station and Pasar Senen Station.
In order to prevent the cluster of long holidays or long weekends, the Covid-19 Task Force has enforced tightening health protocols.
Most recently, the Covid-19 Handling Task Force for Bogor Regency, West Java, rotated 250 vehicles heading to Puncak, Bogor during the Chinese New Year 2021. As many as 250 vehicles were turned around because they did not carry the results of the antigen rapid test. The examination of the results of the rapid antigen test results will continue to be carried out every holiday or weekend during the micro-based PPKM which is in effect from 9 to 22 February 2021.