Malls in Jakarta to Reopen on 15 June

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Malls in Jakarta are getting ready to reopen on 15 June by enforcing new health protocols amidst the Coronavirus pandemic in Indonesia.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has allowed shopping malls to restart operations as the city and Indonesia reopens.

The decision to have Jakarta malls reopen is part of the city’s transition to a new normal by gradually loosening lockdown measures.

Also Read: WHO Releases Indonesia Coronavirus Report

There are several changes in regards to how malls in Jakarta will operate in the new normal. Jakarta malls are forbidden from hosting public events.

The measure is a far-cry from how Jakarta malls typically provide entertainment sources to its visitors.

Music events or any other forms of are prohibited to prevent crowds and violations of the current new normal transition phase.

Also Read: WHO Cautions Indonesia on New Normal Preparations

Movie theaters, galleries, function halls, and children’s play areas are also temporarily prohibited from reopening. It is unknown when the rule will be lifted.

Mall visitors are subject to receiving a fine if they are caught not wearing a mask or not abiding physical distancing rules in queues.

Fines for each violation vary although visitors can expect to pay Rp 250.000 for not wearing a mask.

“Covid-19 is not over, and large-scale social distancing regulations are still in place hence the name transition. That’s why I say don’t get overly excited yet. If you can stay at home then do so,” commented South Jakarta Mayor Marullah Matali during a site visit to Cilandak Town Square on 12 June.

Anies Warns Jakarta Mall Operators

Anies Baswedan has warned that Jakarta mall operators that fail to uphold the rules stipulated in the transition phase will be closed.

While allowed to reopen, malls in Jakarta must do so at 50 percent capacity which is a stark difference to pre-Covid-19 business operations.

Mall operators that fail to maintain visitor numbers will be given a warning and are required to solve the situation.

Also Read: COVID-19: Social Restrictions Extended, Violations Persist in Indonesian Cities

If Jakarta mall operators do not resolve the issue then the Jakarta provincial government will temporarily ask the operators to cease operations.

Malls in Jakarta are required to know the number of visitors which can be tracked using a QR Code that each visitor must scan at the entrance.

The Association of Indonesian Shopping Mall Operators Chairperson, Ellen Hidayat, has expressed that 80 malls and shopping centers in Jakarta will abide by the regulations.

Mall operators will also optimize each entrance door to avoid overcrowding while mall personnel will be equipped with a thermal gun.

“If an individual’s temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius then, unfortunately, we won’t allow them to enter the building,” Ellen stated. (Writer: Walda Marison | Editor: Irfan Maullana) 

Source: https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2020/06/12/16064321/mulai-beroperasi-15-juni-mal-di-jakarta-dilarang-gelar-kegiatan-publik