Regions May Impose Sanctions

The next two weeks will be a critical time for curbing Covid-19 transmission. Regional administrations have implemented a variety of strategies, including community-based prevention measures and sanctions.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Public order officers stop a public transportation driver for violating the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in the ADR Park area, Pluit, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, Wednesday (13/5/2020). The Jakarta administration has begun to impose social sanctions on PSBB violators by ordering them to wear vests reading "PSBB violators" when they are punished to clean public facilities.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – The Home Ministry has called on regional administrations to sanction anyone who violates the COVID-19 social restrictions. The next two weeks are a crucial time in the efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19, especially considering the possibility that residents from "red zones" could insist on going on mudik (exodus).

The national Covid-19 task force’s data on Wednesday (13/05/2020) showed that Indonesia has 15,438 confirmed cases of Covid-19, an increase of 689 new cases from the previous day. Covid-19 government spokesman Achmad Yurianto said the figure was the largest daily increase since the first two cases in the country were announced on 2 March.

On Tuesday, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo stressed the importance of effectively preventing the spread of Covid-19 in Java in the next two weeks, as the number of confirmed cases in Java had reached 70 percent of nationwide cases.

If we are undisciplined and people still go on mudik, there will be new infections.

The Home Ministry’s acting director general of regional administration, Safrizal, said that based on the directorate’s assessment, the curve of virus transmission in West Java and Jakarta had started to flatten. However, Covid-19 transmission in East Java remained high due to the emergence of a new cluster of cases.

Controlling the spread of Covid-19 would be highly dependent on developments in the next two weeks, when people traditionally went on mudik for Idul Fitri. "If we are undisciplined and people still go on mudik, there will be new infections,” he said.

As such, regional administrations were encouraged to intensify their information campaigns on how to prevent Covid-19. These campaigns must be strengthened by involving community leaders.

Also read : Curb COVID-19 Spread in Java

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Residents are stuck in a traffic jam when passing Jl. Ciledug Raya, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, Wednesday (13/5/2020). The large number of residents working during the implementation of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) have caused a number of roads in Jakarta to remain congested in the morning and evening.

Safrizal said that the Home Ministry had called on regional heads to sanction any violators of the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB). Some regions are imposing fines and mandatory community service.

"Regional heads may go ahead and set the type of punishment that will encourage people to be compliant. Please go ahead with whatever [measure] is more effective. [And remember] that this is a violation, not a crime," he added.

The sanctions may be stipulated in a gubernatorial, mayoral or regental regulation.

Meanwhile, special staffer Kastorius Sinaga communicated Home Minister Tito Karnavian’s reminder that times of crisis were a test for regional leadership that called on them to maintain the health of their people as best as they can. They must also keep the economy running.

Also read : Don’t Be Lulled by the Easing of PSBB

Institute of State Governance Science (IIP) professor Djohermansyah Djohan said that the Home Ministry must apply more intensive supervision ahead of Idul Fitr to ensure that regional administrations would be more stringent in enforcing the PSBB.

Epidemiologist Panji Fortuna Hadisoemarto of Padjadjaran University said that the government was aiming to reduce the number of new cases by the end of May. This meant that more stringent restrictions were needed to bring the spread of the disease under control.

Also read : PSBB Still Faces a Number of Obstacles

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

A resident netted in an operation to crack down on violators of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) sweeps up trash in ADR Park, Pluit, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, Wednesday (13/5/2020). The Jakarta administration has begun to impose social sanctions on PSBB violators by ordering them to wear vests reading "PSBB violators" when they are punished to clean public facilities.

Firm stance

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa is encouraging all regents and mayors in the province to enforce the PSBB, which has been implemented in Surabaya, Sidoarjo and Gresik. Malang municipality, Malang regency and Batu municipality are to implement the PSBB soon.

"[Implementation] requires a firm approach, so the PSBB will be effective at curbing the outbreak," she said.

Khofifah issued on 11 May a circular on control, supervision and law enforcement in implementing the PSBB in East Java. The circular authorizes regional heads to impose sanctions on residents who violated the PSBB, for example by not complying with the policies on maintaining physical distancing, avoiding crowds and congregational worship, and to go into self-quarantine if they show symptoms of Covid-19.

Also read : The Peak of the Pandemic is Difficult to Determine

Sanctions for individuals may include the confiscation of ID cards or civil registry documents. The revocation of business permits can be used to sanction transportation companies, restaurants and other businesses for any violations.

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said that the provincial administration was prioritizing prevention through public participation under the Tonggo program. The community program encourages coordination in the four main areas of health, economy, entertainment, and public security.

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

Officers direct motorists outside the city of Surabaya without certificates of work to turn around on the first day of the implementation of the second phase of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) at the PSBB check point at Waru traffic circle, Surabaya, East Java, Tuesday (12/5/2020).

Collecting data, implementing health protocols and preparing of quarantine facilities were part of the program. Covid-19 testing programs were continuing for vulnerable groups and persons under monitoring (ODP).

West Java, which has claimed a declining trend in Covid-19 cases, plans to review the PSBB in the province. West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil said that after the PSBB ended next week, it would immediately map Covid-19 trends in the province. "The results of the PSBB indicate that we must closely monitor 37 percent of the province’s territory, meaning that the other 63 percent can relax. So the economy can return to normal in 63 percent of territories," he said.

As regards social assistance for people affected by Covid-19, President Jokowi said in Bogor that the data on social assistance recipients be improved. Unregistered residents who are eligible for assistance are asked to report to the heads of their neighborhood units (RT) and community units (RW) to register for the second phase of social assistance.

"The data can still be improved. I hope in the second batch late next month, [aid distribution] will be even better," said the President.

(BOW/INA/NTA/SAN/TAN/BRO/SYA/LAS/TAM/DIT/DIA)