Anies Baswedan: Coronavirus Pandemic Shows Benefits of Digital Technology

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan highlighted how the coronavirus pandemic has shown society the benefits of digital technology.

The use of technology has become increasingly widespread and malls in Jakarta have recently demonstrated its advantage.

Jakarta malls opened on June 15 after months of temporary closure during the city’s large-scale social restrictions (PSBB).

Read also: Malls in Jakarta to Reopen on 15 June

Approximately 80 Jakarta malls have reopened to the public and many have adopted new health protocols to cope with the ongoing spread of the Covid-19 virus.

One of the means that have been introduced is the use of a QR code that mall visitors are expected to scan upon entry.

This form of digital technology is a measure undertaken by several mall operators to manage the number of mall visitors.

In the current transition to the new normal, Jakarta malls are only allowed to accept visitors at 50 percent capacity.

Read also: New Normal Should Not Compromise Public Well-being

“This is excellent because I entered this mall and I had to scan this QR code. The transactions were also cashless, touchless, and I hope this will give way to a new habit,” said Anies Baswedan during a visit to Kota Kasablanka Mall June 16.

For Anies Baswedan, the coronavirus pandemic has forced people to make use of what is available including the untapped potential of digital technology.

He believes that it was not until the pandemic struck that people harnessed the full advantages of digital technology.

“I hope this is an interesting lesson to be learned. A health crisis and economic crisis are difficult, but they also present an opportunity: the massive benefit of technological use,” said Anies.

Adjustments to mall operations

Association of Indonesian Shopping Mall Operators Chairperson Ellen Hidayat said that Jakarta malls open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm during the initial phase.