Gov’t Issues Instruction on Tightened Micro-Scale Restrictions

The Government has once again decided to extend stricter enforcement of Micro-Scale Activity Restrictions (PPKM Mikro) from 22 June to 5 July 2021.

The implementation of the restrictions is based on Instruction of Minister of Home Affairs Number 14 of 2021, signed by Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian on Monday (21/6).

The Instruction came following the spike in COVID-19 cases after the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The infection clusters emerge from offices, houses of worship, wedding venues due to a low level of public compliance with health protocols.

“PPKM Mikro is aimed at raising public awareness regarding the need to thoroughly implement health protocols,” Tito said, as quoted the official website of Ministry of Home Affairs, Wednesday (23/6).

The Instruction also contains stricter regulations in limiting public activities, including those listed in the ninth dictum.

The ninth dictum of the Instruction stipulates provisions on limiting activities at the office/workplace (government offices/ministries/institutions/regional governments, state-owned/region-owned/private companies).

Those regencies/cities with COVID-19 low-risk zones must implement work from home policy of 50 percent of workers and work from office policy of 50 percent of workers. Meanwhile, regions with red zones must implement work from home policy of 75 percent of workers and work from office policy of 25 percent of workers.

“Office activities in red zone areas must be limited with 25 percent of workers working work from office, while 75 percent of workers working from home,” the Minister said.

Moreover, the Instruction also regulates restrictions on restaurant activities (eating/drinking) in separate locations or in shopping centers/malls, including food stalls, restaurants, cafes, street vendors, hawker stalls. Eating/drinking on the spot will be allowed at a maximum of 25 percent and the operating hours are limited up to 8.00 p.m. local time.

Regarding the implementation of activities at shopping centers/malls/trade centers, the operating hours will take place until 8.00 p.m. local time at 25 percent of visitor capacity with stricter implementation of health protocols.

The Instruction also regulates several provisions on the implementation of worship activities performed in mosques, prayer rooms, churches, temples, and monasteries as well as other public places that serve as worship places.

Those regencies/cities with COVID-19 low-risk zones must implement worship activities in more stringent health protocols in accordance with technical arrangements from Ministry of Religious Affairs. Meanwhile, regions with red zones must temporarily suspend worship activities and perform the worship activities at home instead until the area is no longer classified as red zone areas according to the regional government.

“Any religious activities in red zone areas must be conducted at respective homes,” Tito stated.

The stricter implementation of PPKM Mikro is also applied for activities in public areas (public facilities, public parks, public tourist attractions, or other public areas).

Those regencies/cities with COVID-19 low-risk zones must limit the number of visitors up to 25 percent of the maximum capacity with stricter implementation of health protocols set by regional governments. Meanwhile, public facilities in regions with red zones are temporarily closed until the area is no longer classified as red zone according to the regional government.

The Instruction further regulates the implementation of arts, culture, and social activities (art, cultural and social spaces that can cause mass gatherings).

Those regencies/cities with COVID-19 low-risk zones must limit the number of people attending the event up to 25 percent of the maximum capacity with stricter implementation of health protocols set by regional governments. Meanwhile, the events conducted in regions with red zones are temporarily closed until the area is no longer classified as red zone according to the regional government.

Regarding festivities (social events), the Instruction regulates the provisions on limiting visitors by 25 percent of the maximum capacity with no food dishes served on site. (PR of Ministry of Home Affairs/UN) (RIF/MUR)