Jakarta, March 29 -- Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno expressed his openness to welcoming newcomers to Jakarta after Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

He made this statement in response to Coordinating Minister for People's Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar's appeal, urging travelers not to bring their families to Jakarta during the return flow after "mudik" (the Indonesian tradition of returning to one's hometown for Eid al-Fitr), particularly if they lack work-related skills.

"I am open to anyone who wants to come to Jakarta. We will not carry out population control operations because we also know that Jakarta represents hope," he remarked on Saturday.

According to Rano, this policy reflects the views of Gover...