“We have witnessed improved conditions in many regions, both inside and outside Java and Bali. The government has been adjusting the PPKM levels with the hope that the curbs will align with the new normal,” Communications and Information Technology Minister Johnny G. Plate said in a press statement sent to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

The government decided to continue PPKM levels 4, 3 and 2 throughout the country on Monday. The restrictions will last for another week in Java and Bali and two weeks outside Java and Bali. The government has eased the restriction level in several regions, including Greater Jakarta, Greater Bandung and Greater Surabaya, from level 4 to 3. As for Bali, Greater Malang, Greater Surakarta and Yogyakarta, they are still under PPKM level 4. The government expected these regions’ level 4 status to decline to level 3 in several weeks but under the condition of constant improvement, including increasing the number of recovered patients and reducing the death rate.

With the new adjustment, the number of regencies/mayoralties in Java and Bali under PPKM level 4 has declined from 67 to 51. Meanwhile, the number of regencies/mayoralties under PPKM level 3 has increased from 59 to 67. The rising trend continued with the number of level 2 regions, which had increased from two regencies/mayoralties to 10.

As for regions outside of Java and Bali, restrictions were extended to Sept. 6. Along with the declining number of active cases, to date, the number of level 4 regions has also declined, from 11 provinces to four. At the regency level, the number has declined from 132 regencies/mayoralties to 104. The number of level 3 regencies/mayoralties increased from 215 to 234, while the number of level 2 regencies/mayoralties rose from 39 to 48.

Johnny said the restrictions would be extended to control public activities as long as the COVID-19 pandemic exists.

“We need to highlight that we have made progress during the restrictions. The public’s proactive role has been deeply appreciated,” Johnny said.

From the peak in cases on July 15, the number of confirmed positive cases has declined by 78 percent. Patient recoveries have consistently increased, outnumbering the confirmed positive case figures in the last few weeks. This contributed to a decline in the national bed occupancy rate (BOR), which currently stands at 33 percent.

Last week, the government opened up social activities in several big cities. Several regions under PPKM level 4 were allowed trading activities that sold non-staple food commodities in traditional markets. Shopping malls and restaurants were allowed to operate with limited capacities. Religious activities were also allowed with limited capacities. Regions under PPKM levels 3 and 2 have been permitted to open schools for learning activities.  

“We expect cooperation from all stakeholders related with the social restriction adjustment, including maintaining discipline in adhering the health protocols, especially in wearing masks. Acceleration and expansion in vaccination would also need people participation. Referring to President Joko Widodo previous statement, we expect to have met the vaccination target by 100 million doses by the end of this month,” Johnny said.

Popular

What Indonesia can learn from the Iran–Israel war

Police seek to polish image with new video platform amid public distrust

Two arrested in North Sumatra for allegedly producing vape liquid laced with narcotics