The government has instructed police and the military to enforce localized restrictions from tomorrow until at least July 5 to combat the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the country.
In a press conference today, Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto, who also heads the COVID-19 Handling and Economic Recovery Committee, announced the reinforcement and tightening of the Micro Enforcement of Restrictions on Public Activities (Micro PPKM) protocol.
Micro PPKM refers to a set of restrictions on public activities that are enforced with the help of officials from the smallest tier of regional governance, namely neighborhood units (RT) and community units (RW). The protocol applies to all areas considered to be red zones (high COVID-19 caseload) and orange zones (medium COVID-19 caseload).
Starting tomorrow until at least July 5, the government is tightening the restrictions under Micro PPKM. These are the regulations that will be in effect:
- Workplaces located in red zones are required to limit office capacity to 25 percent, while those outside of red zones are required to limit office capacity by half
- Schools in red zones will continue to conduct online learning, which may throw a wrench in the plans for nationwide reopening in July. The reopening of schools outside of red zones is subject to a future Ministry of Education decision
- Essential sectors and services, including utilities, supermarkets, and drug stores may operate fully
- For all food and beverage industries, dine-in service is capped at 25 percent. Takeaway and delivery orders must be made before 8pm
- Shopping centers and malls located in red zones can open to 25 percent capacity and must close by 8pm
- Construction works may resume at full capacity provided health precautions are observed
- Houses of worship located in red zones must close. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will issue regulations on changes to the Qurban sacrificial ritual expected to take place next month
- Tourist attractions in red zones must shut. Those outside of red zones may operate at 25 percent capacity and with tightened health precautions
- Cultural and social events in red zones are canceled. Those outside of red zones may open to 25 percent capacity but without food service
- Meetings and seminars in red zones are cancelled. Those outside of red zones may be held at 25 percent of a venue’s capacity
- Regional administrations to tighten restrictions on public transportation.
In Jakarta, the enforcement of Micro PPKM will notably involve roadblocks set up to limit mobility in 10 high density areas, where officials say health protocols are regularly flaunted. These are:
- Bulungan, South Jakarta
- Kemang, South Jakarta
- Gunawarman and Suryo, South Jakarta
- Sabang, Central Jakarta
- Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta
- Asia-Afrika, Central Jakarta
- Banjir Kanal Timur, East Jakarta
- Kota Tua, West Jakarta
- Kelapa Gading Boulevard, North Jakarta
- Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), North Jakarta
The roadblocks will be up everyday during Micro PPKM, starting this evening, from 9pm to 4am. During this time, people can leave the contained areas but no one will be allowed in except for residents, hotel guests, and for reasons of emergency.
