President Jokowi Signs Gov’t Regulation on Large-Scale Social Restrictions
President Jokowi announces Government Regulation on Large-Scale Social Restrictions at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Wednesday (31/3). (Source: Twitter @jokowi)
In a bid to slow down the spread of COVID-19 and to curb the number of cases and/or fatalities which have impacted on the country’s political, economic, social, cultural, defense aspects and security, as well as welfare of the people, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on 31 March signed Government Regulation Number 21 of 2020 on Large-Scale Social Restrictions to Accelerate the Handling of COVID-19 Pandemic.
Under this Government Regulation, large-scale social restrictions mean limiting certain activities of the people in areas suspected of being infected with COVID-19 aimed at preventing the possible spread of the disease.
“With the approval of Minister overseeing government affairs in health sector, regional governments may implement the aforementioned restrictions or restrictions on the movement of people and goods for one particular province or regency/city,” reads Article 2 paragraph (1) of the Government Regulation.
The restrictions, according to this Government Regulation, shall be based on epidemiological grounds, the magnitude of the threat, effectiveness, resource supports, as well as operational, technical, political, economic, social, cultural, defense, and security aspects.
Under this Government Regulation, large-scale social restrictions must meet the following criteria, among others, the number of cases and/or fatalities due to the disease that has significantly and rapidly increased and the spread to several regions and epidemiological links with similar events in other regions or countries.
The said restrictions shall be imposed on schools and workplaces, entertainment areas, religious activities, and/or activities in public places or facilities.
Regarding the restrictions on activities at schools, workplaces, and places of worship, according to this Government Regulation, it must take into account educational needs, work productivity, and the need for worship of of the people.
Meanwhile, restrictions on activities in public places or facilities shall be imposed by taking into account the fulfillment of basic needs of the population.
“In the event that large-scale social restrictions are stipulated by the Minister overseeing government affairs in health sector, regional governments are obliged to implement and pay attention to the provisions as regulated in Law Number 6 of 2018 on Health Quarantine as well as coordinate and collaborate with various related parties in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations,” reads Article 5 paragraph (1) of this Government Regulation.
The large-scale social restrictions, according to this Government Regulation, shall be proposed by governor/regent/ mayor to the Minister overseeing government affairs in health sector.
Furthermore, the Minister shall establish the restrictions by taking into account the considerations of Head of the COVID-19 Handling Task Force.
Head of the Task Force may propose to the Minister overseeing government affairs in health sector to establish large-scale social restrictions in certain areas, and if approved, regional heads in certain regions are obliged to implement the large-scale social restrictions.
“This Government Regulation shall apply from the date of its promulgation,” reads Article 7 of the Government Regulation promulgated by Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly on 31 March 2020. (EN)
Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
