The COVID-19 vaccine is still a ways away (well, end of November, based on the government’s most optimistic expectations), but Jakarta has already passed a set of new coronavirus regulations that, among others, would fine those who refuse to be inoculated.
The Jakarta City Council on Monday passed the COVID-19 Mitigation Regional Regulations (Perda), which outlines punishments for health protocol violations in the capital.
An IDR5 million (US$339) fine for those who refuse mandatory swab and/or rapid testing was among the punishments, as previously outlined in a draft of the Perda.
The most notable addition to the finalized Perda is a fine of up to IDR5 million for those who refuse to receive COVID-19 vaccination, when it becomes available, and/or any treatment against the disease.
Other regulations include a fine of up to IDR7.5 million for anyone who claims the bodies of deceased COVID-19 patients by force, which has been a problem in Indonesia. In addition, patients who refuse mandatory isolation at a government facility will be picked up by force, while those who escape isolation may be fined up to IDR 5 million.
Taken out from the draft was any threat of jail time for health protocol violators, with the Perda’s focus being on fines to deter behavior that could derail outbreak mitigation efforts.
