Emergency Measures Will Start July 3 amid Covid-19 Surge: Jokowi

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announced that Indonesia will impose emergency restrictions on community activities or locally known as emergency PPKM from July 3-20 as Covid-19 cases surge.  

"We decided to impose emergency PPKM from July 3 to 20, mainly in Java and Bali," Jokowi said at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, July 1.

Emergency PPKM is expected to take place in 122 districts across Java and Bali after the Head of State attending meeting with various officials, including health experts and regional heads. 

"I call on all citizens to remain calm and vigilant, follow existing regulations, be disciplined in implementing health protocols, and support the work of government and volunteers in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic," the President said.

Also read: Indonesia to Start Vaccinating Children With the Covid-19 Vaccine 

Jokowi also appointed the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan as the coordinator of the implementation of the policy.

In addition, Jokowi also stressed the importance of embracing more stringent and firm policies to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the emergence of new virus variants. 

"This situation requires stricter measures," Jokowi said.

The condition of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia has deteriorated with over two million Covid-19 cases and the daily number of people who contract the virus continues to increase.

The number of new Covid-19 cases in 24-hour reached more than 20,000, the highest record number since the first two cases were detected in March 2020. 

Also read: Clinical Trials on Ivermectin for Treatment of Covid-19 Infection Approved

In addition to strengthening the implementation of the health protocol, the government also continues to administer one million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine a day. 

"Through various priority efforts, as one country, we are serious and must stay solid to curb the spread of Covid-19," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who also heads the National Covid-19 Handling and Economic Recovery Committee (KPC-PEN) in his social media account on Thursday. 

Stricter Covid-19 Restrictions 

Emergency PPKM will take place for 18 days, aiming to decrease the daily number of new cases below 10,000.

For this, even fields deemed essential were subject to strictures. 50 percent of employees in financial sectors such as banking and the stock market, information technology, and hotels are allowed to work from the office at any one time.

However, 100 percent of employees in essential fields such as energy, the health sector, security, logistics, and transportation are permitted to work from the office under rigorous health protocols.

Also read: Foreigners Can Get Covid-19 Jab in Jakarta

Malls and trade centers should close, but supermarkets are still permitted to open up to 8 pm with 50 percent capacity. However, pharmacies and drug stores can open for 24 hours. Restaurants are not allowed to open for dine-in, only for deliveries and takeaway.

Activities in houses of worship such as mosques, churches and temples would be closed during the Emergency PPKM. Closures will also apply to public facilities, also cultural, athletic and charity events.

However, public transportation and rental vehicles are allowed to operate at 70 percent capacity. The government also allowed wedding receptions to be held with tight health protocols with up to 30 guests in attendance. Food is not allowed to be served, but only for a takeaway by the guests.

Travelers who use planes, buses and trains must show vaccine cards (minimum first dose vaccine), PCR test results for aircraft and antigen test results for other remote transportation modes.

(Writers: Fitria Chusna Farisa, Dian Erika Nugraheny, Mela Arnani | Editors : Bayu Galih, Inggried Dwi Wedhaswary)

Sources: Kompas.com