Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting (Through Video Conference) on Evaluation of the Implementation of the Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) Tuesday, 12 May 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Distinguished Vice President,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Distinguished Ministers and Governors.

This morning, we evaluate of the implementation of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB).

We are aware that four provinces and 72 municipalities and regencies have implemented the PSBB. I also note that there are other provinces or municipalities/regencies that have yet to implement the restrictions but adopt other methods and are proven to be a success.

First, I’d like to ask for a detailed evaluation in provinces, cities and regencies on the rise or drop in new positive cases, both in areas implementing the PSBB and those that do not.

Based on the data of new cases prior to the implementation of the PSBB and after the implementation, the results vary in each region as the effectiveness of implementation also varies. There are regions where the number of new cases has decreased gradually/consistently but not drastically, but there are also regions where the number of cases has decreased but the number of cases remains still volatile.

There are also regions where the number of new cases remains unchanged just like before the PSBB was implemented. We need to focus on these matters to find out what is going on and why.

Second, out of ten provinces with the most positive cases, only three provinces have implemented the PSBB, namely Jakarta Special Region, West Java and West Sumatra, while seven other provinces still have not implemented the PSBB yet. Therefore, we also evaluate provinces, cities, and regencies that do not implement the PSBB yet but implement physical distancing policies and apply strict health protocols in people’s daily lives. We should compare regions implementing the PSBB with regions that do not implement PSBB because there are indeed innovations on the ground by applying a policy model of restricting activities in the communities adapted to the context in each region.

Third, on PSBB control management, it is my hope that the implementation will not be trapped in the administrative boundaries of governance. It (should) also be translated into agglomeration and handling large areas that are interconnected so that inter-regional management is integrated. For example, what has been implemented in Greater Jakarta is interrelated so that the regulation of social mobility from the communities can be integrated and improved.

Fourth, based on the data released by the Task Force, 70 percent of positive cases are reported in the island of Java. Likewise, the highest mortality rate of 82 percent is also reported in the island. For this reason, I order the Task Force to ensure that COVID-19 can be effectively under control in five provinces in Java, especially in the next two weeks. We have a chance until Eid Day and we must make the most of it.

Lastly, regarding the loosening of the PSBB, it should be done in a careful and mindful manner. Everything should be decided based on the real data and implementation on the ground so that our decision is truly a correct one. We should be careful about relaxing the PSBB.

That concludes my remarks.

Translated by Galuh Wicaksono H
Reviewed by M. Ersan Pamungkas