Indonesia suspends all travel throughout Ramadan and Eid

The country with the world's largest Muslim population has banned all travel during the holy month

A passenger at an almost empty departure lounge at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, 24 April 2020. EPA/MAST IRHAM

Indonesia has banned travel throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

The country with the world's largest Muslim population has put almost all international and domestic travel on hold until June in an attempt to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The restrictions on travel were announced at the start of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month. They are set to prevent millions of residents living in Indonesia's big cities from travelling throughout the country, or internationally, to be with their families for Eid celebrations.

Air travel is suspended until Monday, June 1, sea travel until Monday, June 8 and all passenger train services are on hold until Monday, June 15.

The ban does not apply to emergency services or cargo.

Indonesia has the highest number of mosques in the world and Ramadan is typically a very important and busy time for them, but this year they will remain quiet as congregational prayers have also been banned.

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia is at the centre of the country's Covid-19 outbreak. So far 8,607 coronavirus cases have been recorded across the archipelago nation after only 64,000 tests.

Hotels and resorts close across Bali

Bali, one of Indonesia's most popular holiday destinations, is struggling to survive without tourists. Bali is the country's tourism gem and the island relies heavily on tourism revenue.

Visitor numbers to Bali in February had fallen 20 per cent, and these figures are projected to have worsened in March and April.

Despite much lower confirmed cases of Covid-19 than other parts of Indonesia, hotels and resorts across Bali have closed because of the pandemic.

Those that remain open have less than 10 per cent occupancy, according to the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association.