Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia in Response to the Implementation of Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) Thursday, 7 May 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We strive and hope that the peak of COVID-19 pandemic will be on the decline immediately. However, according to some experts, when the number of cases is slowing down, it doesn’t mean that it will flatten or become zero cases suddenly, there is a possibility that the case will rise and drop. We should deal with the COVID-19 until an effective vaccine to be discovered.

And we are grateful for imposing Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) instead of partial lockdown or provincial scale quarantine. PSBB is a restriction of activities in public places or in public facilities in the form of limiting the number of people and leaving space between people. The PSBB allows people to do their activities with some limitations, so that they must be aware of limiting themselves, no gathering on a large scale. I received a report that in several areas, the road was totally empty but there were still crowds of people in the village. Physical interaction must be reduced, we must maintain a physical distance, we must wear face masks, we must often wash our hands after activities. These efforts should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We also want to keep the wheels of our economy running, people can limit their movement, they must be disciplined in complying with health protocols. The state apparatus have  reminded the community to be disciplined, they also encourage the community to consciously have self-discipline. I still found those who did not wear face masks, we all should wear face masks and avoid mass gatherings and crowds.

Once again I emphasize that the most important thing is to follow health protocol discipline. Do the activities limitedly, but follow health protocol strictly. This measure requires our disciplines, the discipline of citizens and the role of the state apparatus who work in appropriate and measured manners.

That concludes my statement.

Translated by Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by Lulu Wuliarti