President Jokowi Orders Strict, Effective Large-Scale Social Restrictions

President Jokowi chairs an online Limited Cabinet Meeting on the COVID-19 Task Force Report, Monday (4/5). Photo by: PR/Rahmat

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called for strict and effective Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) that are currently imposed in four provinces and 22 cities/municipalities.

For the record, the restrictions themselves are aimed at slowing down the spread of COVID-19.

“Several regions have finalized the first stage (of the PSBB) and will begin the second stage. We have to evaluate the implementation,” the President said in his remarks before an online Limited Cabinet Meeting on the COVID-19 Task Force Report, Monday (4/5).

This evaluation, he added, is very important to improve the impositions of the restrictions in those regions.

Every region that imposes the restrictions must also set measurable targets, he added.

“The targets should cover the number of PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction), laboratory tests, and aggressive tracing,” he said, adding that a strict policy is also imperative to isolate people who test positive for the virus and patient under treatment (PDP), as well as to protect the people with a higher risk for the virus and the elderly with comorbidity.

On that occasion, the Head of State also called for  close monitoring for the potential of virus spread in several clusters, adding that several clusters need to be properly monitored.

“I have received a report stating that 89,000 Indonesian migrant workers have returned and there will be a possibility that another 16,000 workers will return. Their return must be handled properly to prevent the second wave,” the President said, adding that industries that are permitted to operate should also be monitored to ensure they implement strict health protocols.

Regarding social safety net program, President Jokowi stressed that the program must be promptly implemented.

To that end, the President noted he had ordered Minister of Social Affairs, governors, regents, mayors, district heads and village heads to monitor the implementation of the program to ensure that all social assistance are distributed no later than this week.

According to the President, the regions should be granted flexibility to help the people who have not received the social assistance and that the data of social assistance beneficiaries should be transparent.

President Jokowi further said that hotline for complaints regarding social safety net program must also be provided, adding that the hotline is important to quickly trace irregularities (TGH/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas