“We’re discussing [the regional quarantine]. However, the decision to impose a quarantine or not remains in the hands of the central government,” Ridwan said.

He said he was in close communication with COVID-19 Task Force chief Doni Monardo to ask for permission to enact certain policies.

“No region should impose quarantine measures without central government approval,” he said.

Read also: Jakarta prepares local quarantine scenario

Ridwan further advised the public not to return to their hometown ahead of Ramadan to curb the spread of COVID-19.

He has instructed community unit and neighborhood unit chiefs to register any residents who have just returned from traveling or working in cities outside of West Java.

“[Returnees] must self-quarantine for 14 days as people under general monitoring for COVID-19,” West Java Regional Secretary spokesperson Hermansyah said in a written statement on Sunday.

“The more people return home, the more difficult it is for us to track each person’s medical and travel histories.”

Ridwan conceded that the appeal for residents to stay at home had not been fully obeyed and some had ignored the warning.

“We hope that the people will be ready when the time comes to impose a local quarantine. Therefore, we’re doing our best to prepare for such a scenario.” 

As of Sunday, Indonesia has reported 1,285 confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide, 149 of which are in West Java.(aly)

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