TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Lawmakers call for stricter law enforcement of social restrictions in Jakarta
Jakarta has so far recorded 1,232 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 99 fatalities.
Change Size
A police officer closes access to Jl. Kebon Sirih in Central Jakarta on Monday as part of security measures for the selection of Jakarta's deputy governor at the Jakarta Legislative Council (DPRD Jakarta). (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
Members of the House of Representatives are calling on Jakarta Governor Anies Baswendan to tighten law enforcement following the Health Ministry's approval for large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in the capital.
Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto issued on Tuesday a ministerial decree to officially approve Anies’ request to take stricter measures, a copy of which was obtained by The Jakarta Post.
Willy Aditya of the NasDem Party said on Tuesday that Anies must implement the program immediately, assuming the Jakarta administration had understood what to do before submitting the proposal.
"Now that the proposal has been approved, Jakarta should immediately implement it, starting today [Tuesday] if possible," he said.
Willy added that the administration should step up social restrictions, such as extending schools and office closure and prohibiting mass gatherings, including religious activities.
Read also: Should I exercise during the coronavirus pandemic? Experts explain the just right exercise
“Working from home must be mandatory for all offices in Jakarta. Companies that cannot make their employees work from home should obtain permission from the city administration. If there is a violation, the punishment should be clear."
Saleh Daulay of the National Mandate Party (PAN) said by imposing the PSBB, the administration should suspend travel to and from the city to limit people’s movements.
"Security forces must be able to enforce the law; it should have deterrent effects,” said Saleh, who is also a member of the House Commission IX overseeing health.
He added that the administration should also ensure the needs of its residents, including food, energy, communication and other basic necessities
"Many people will be affected by this; daily workers, casual laborers, online transportation drivers and laid-off workers. We must be aware of them and they should get financial assistance.”
Read also: In hot water: The new rules of laundry in the time of COVID-19
According to the Health Ministry’s decree, large-scale social restrictions need to be implemented in Jakarta, the epicenter of the outbreak in the country, to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The decision was based on the results of epidemiological studies, among other factors.
According to the ministry, Anies could start implementing the restrictions after a permit was sent to the Jakarta administration on Tuesday.
Jakarta has so far recorded 1,232 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 99 fatalities out of 209 in the nationwide death toll.
