Home Minister Issues Instruction on Health Protocols Enforcement

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has issued Instruction Number 6 of 2020 on Enforcement of Health Protocols for Controlling COVID-19 Transmission.

“(The Instruction) is a follow-up to the directive of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Limited Cabinet Meeting on Monday, 16 November 2020 at the Merdeka Palace, which among other things reaffirms the consistency of compliance with COVID-19 health protocols and prioritizes the safety of the people,” the Instruction reads.

The Instruction states that the Central Government and Regional Governments have issued various Regulations in the forms of Government Regulations, Presidential Regulations, Ministerial Regulations, Regional Regulations and Regional Head Regulations in an effort to deal with the pandemic and its impact.

“Various measures have also been carried out systematically and massively, including dissemination to wear masks, maintain physical distancing, and provide hand washing facilities, and measures to prevent mass gathering,” the Instruction reads.

Efforts have also been made to increase the capacity of 3T (Testing, Tracing, and Treatment) as well as to impose several other Regional Governments measures, including Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) which include prevention of mass gathering.

“Regional heads must appreciate the hard work and sacrifice made by doctors, nurses, medical personnel, members of the Indonesian National Police/ the Indonesian National Defense Forces and volunteers, as well as communities who have worked hard to handle the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Instruction reads.

In the Instruction, Minister of Home Affairs instructs Governors and Regents/Mayors to:

First, consistently enforce the COVID-19 health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their respective areas by implementing protocols of wearing masks, washing hands properly, maintaining physical distance, and preventing mass gathering.

Second, take proactive measures to prevent transmission of COVID-19. The prevention can be done in a persuasive manner. The enforcement, including disbandment of mass gathering, is carried out in a firm and measured manner as the last resort.

Third, become role models for the public in complying with COVID-19 health protocols, and must not participate in mass gathering that have the potential to violate health protocols.

Fourth, be aware that Law Number 23 of 2014 on Regional Governments stipulates obligations and sanctions for regional heads.

The Instruction further states that article 67 letter b of Law on Regional Governments stipulates that Regional heads are obliged to comply with all provisions of Laws and Regulations, while Article 78 of the Law stated that regional heads and/or deputy regional heads may be dismissed for violating the oath of office and for failing to carry out the obligations of regional heads and deputy regional heads as intended by Article 67 letter b.

“Based on the fourth dictum of the Instruction, regional heads that violate the provisions of Laws and Regulations may be subject to dismissal,” the Instruction reads. (PR of Ministry of Home Affairs/UN) (RI/LW)