Suramadu bridge to be closed on new year's eve

Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa has confirmed that Suramadu Bridge will be closed on New Year's Eve, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time.

"On December 31, 2021, the (Suramadu Bridge) will be closed at 8 p.m., and (it will be) re-opened at 5 a.m. on January 1, 2022," Parawansa told reporters at the Grahadi State Building, here on Monday.

The step is part of anticipatory efforts to reduce crowding on New Year's Eve, as well as preventing the transmission of COVID-19, which has not ended, she explained.

In addition to closing the 5.4-km bridge, all fields in 38 districts/cities in East Java will be closed at the same time, the governor informed.

Not only that, all major roads that have the potential for crowding and convoys will also be shut during the same hours, she said.

"In Surabaya, the Kenjeran area, Tunjungan Street, Raya Darmo and others are certainly to be closed starting at 8 p.m.," the governor informed.

However, she said, there will be some exceptions, such as vehicles carrying logistics, fuel oil, or dealing with emergencies and health services, which will be allowed on the roads.

Parawansa also reminded that there will be no New Year's Eve celebrations, such as gatherings, lighting of fireworks, and marches around the city.

"Those who gather with family and relatives shall be limited to no more than 50 people," the first women governor of East Java affirmed.

"Let's keep a conducive situation. Insya Allah (God willing), COVID-19 conditions in East Java are currently under control," she remarked.

She also advised people not to loosen up on following the health protocols and limit mobility during the holiday period.

Several concrete efforts in the transportation and tourism sector will be taken to anticipate the emergence of the third wave of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, she said.