Large-Scale Social Restrictions Not Uniformly Applied, President Jokowi Says

Infographics on large-scale social restrictions. (Source: Ministry of Health)

Implementation of large-scale social restrictions – locally known as PSBB – is not uniformly applied across the country; rather, it will take into account developing situations in each region, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“(The decision to impose) the restrictions or not is determined by Minister of Health,” the President told reporters at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (9/4).

According to the President, the decision should be made through a careful consideration and calculation amid the current situation.

“We must be careful and must not in a hurry (in making the decision),” he said, adding the decision whether or not to impose the restrictions, including closures of schools, offices, restrictions on religious activities and activities in public places must take into accounts several aspects.

“The decisions should be based on the number of confirmed cases, the number of fatalities in regencies/cities and provinces, and of course based on epidemiological considerations, the magnitude of threats, supporting resources, economic, social, cultural, and security aspects,” he added.

Taking into account those aspects, according to the President, is very important and for this reason, he said the Government does not want to make a prompt yet improper decision.

“I think it is better for us to make a decision on this with clarity and in-depth calculation,” the President said.

For the record, Capital Jakarta – the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country – is set to enforce large-scale social restrictions starting Friday to slow down the spread of COVID-19. During the restriction periods, gatherings of more than five people will be banned, while public transportation services will limit their normal passenger capacity by up to 50% and operations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Eight essential industry sectors will remain operational, including companies and organizations in the health sector, food and beverages, energy, communications, finances, logistics, retail and other strategic sectors. (UN/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas