Gov’t Extends PPKM Outside Java, Bali Until 6 September 2021

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto (23/08/2021). (Source: YouTube Channel of Presidential Secretariat)

The Government has announced that it will extend the Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM) for regions outside Java and Bali Islands from 24 August to 6 September 2021.

This policy will be regulated in the Instruction of Minister of Home Affairs, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, on Monday (23/08).

The number of provinces outside Java and Bali that apply PPKM Level 4 has decreased from eleven to seven provinces, whereas the number of regencies/municipalities has also decreased from 132 to 104 regencies/municipalities. In the meantime, PPKM Level 3 will be implemented in 234 regencies/municipalities and PPKM Level 2 will be implemented in 48 regencies/municipalities.

Moreover, the Coordinating Minister said that there are some adjustments in the implementation of PPKM Level 4 outside Java and Bali. They are as follows:

1. 1. Workplaces or offices must implement 25 percent work from office (WFO) in full compliance with health protocols. If a new COVID-19 cluster occurs, the offices will be closed for five days.
   2. Places of worship are allowed to operate for religious activities at 25 percent of their maximum capacity or a maximum of 30 people.
   3. Restaurants/cafes are allowed to operate at 25 percent of their maximum capacity and serve dine-in customers until 20.00, limited to two people per table.
   4.  Shopping centers/malls are allowed to operate at 50 percent of capacity until 20.00 while observing strict health  It will further be regulated by the regional governments.
   5.  Export orientation industries and their supporting industries can operate 100 percent in full compliance with health  If a new COVID-19 cluster occurs, the operation will be stopped for five days.

Airlangga further added that now COVID-19 tracing application PeduliLindungi is an important requirement to do activities or to enter public places.

In line with the implementation of the PPKM, the Government will continue to intensify the 3T measures (testing, tracing, and treatment), to improve the enforcement of 3M health protocols (wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and washing hands), and to boost vaccination rate.  In addition to these efforts, the Government will also continue to roll out a number of social protection programs in order to reduce the impacts of PPKM implementation for the people.

Furthermore, Airlangga underscored that the implementation of the PPKM will continue during COVID-19 pandemic which levels will be adjusted to the situations and conditions of each region. (FID/UN) (AP/MMB)