Social Restrictions Still in Place, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi delivers his remarks on Friday (15/5). Photo by: BPMI

The Government has encouraged the people to be productive and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it will not yet ease the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB).

“We are continuously monitoring the indicators and facts on the ground. The point is, we must be very careful and avoid making wrong decisions,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said Friday (15/5).

According to the President, the Government also takes into account the current situation such as workers who have been laid-off and lost their income.

The President also said that that the people must “coexist” with COVID-19 in a new normal, but must comply with the measures to prevent COVID-19 by washing hands after doing activities, keeping a safe distance, and wearing face masks.

Once the situation improves, the Government, he said, will gradually allow business sectors to reopen by requiring business owners to take measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

“For example, restaurants will be allowed to open, but they can only provide 50% quota of their normal capacity, with more distancing of the seats and the tables,” the President said, adding that he regularly reviews the implementation of the large-scale social restrictions and urges the people to comply with health protocols.

On that occasion, the Head of  State also explained that the drop in people activities has resulted in the decline in regional revenue (PAD).

“Every policy has its own consequence, one of which is the decline in regional revenue,” he said. (UN/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas