The Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) protocol in Jakarta is set to expire tomorrow, but officials say its extension is highly likely as the COVID-19 outbreak has yet to be contained in the capital.
PSBB, which is effective for 14 days starting on April 10 in Jakarta, is akin to a partial lockdown in that it limits most social interactions in the city, such as by restricting religious, business, and academic activities as well as reducing public transport operations while enforcing physical distancing measures.
“There is a plan to extend [PSBB in Jakarta],” Jakarta COVID-19 Task Force Head Catur Laswanto told CNN Indonesia yesterday.
Last week, Governor Anies Baswedan said 14 days of PSBB would not suffice in stopping the COVID-19 outbreak in Jakarta.
“PSBB will almost likely be extended. This is only the first phase,” Anies said.
Jakarta, the province with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Indonesia with 3,260 as of April 21, was the first to enact the PSBB protocol. Its satellite cities, which fall in the jurisdiction of West Java and Banten provinces, followed suit days later.
PSBB has been criticized as largely ineffective in restricting activity in the capital due to the lack of clarity regarding its legal enforcement. Since it has been in effect, offices have continued to operate, forcing people to commute to the city, while traffic jams are still quite prevalent during rush hour.
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