Wide-Scale Jakarta Restrictions Start

KOMPAS/ADITYA DIVERANTA

The entrance gate to the RW 009 community unit in Kwitang subdistrict, Senen, Central Jakarta, stands closed on Monday (30/3/2020) as part of a partial quarantine measure intended to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

We want Jakarta to be an example of implementing the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), the first such measure that received the health minister’s approval yesterday.

Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto approved the request from Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to implement the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in the capital city effective Tuesday, 7 April 2020.

Jakarta has recorded the largest number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country. By Tuesday, the Indonesian capital had reported 1,395 confirmed cases out of the nationwide total of 2,738 confirmed cases. Of the 221 deaths recorded across the nation, 133 deaths were in Jakarta – about 10 percent of Jakarta’s confirmed cases.

By Monday (6/4/2020), Jakarta had buried 639 people who had died of Covid-19 according to the appropriate health protocols, despite recording only 126 confirmed cases. The remaining figures comprised of people under monitoring (ODP) and patients under treatment (PDP) who had died of the disease before it was known whether they had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

Kompas

Governor Anies Baswedan

Health Minister Decree No. HK.01.07/Menkes/239/2020 affirms the implementation of the PSBB in the Jakarta special capital region (DKI Jakarta). Under its provisions, the Jakarta administration is obligated to implement the PSBB in accordance with prevailing laws and regulations and is free to determine when the restrictions come into force. The restrictions apply for the duration of the maximum incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 and may be extended upon evidence of continued transmission.

Also read: Government Can Extend Social Restrictions

The Health Minister Decree does not stipulate the PSBB period, merely stipulating said that the PSBB would apply "for the duration of the maximum incubation period " and can be extended if there is evidence of continued transmission. We hope that the Health Minister Decree will set a more specific time period based on the available scientific information. Without a clear time frame, it remains open to different interpretations.

Such a broad regulation, however, provides regional heads with the leeway to apply the PSBB in accordance with local needs and circumstances.

Such a broad regulation, however, provides regional heads with the leeway to apply the PSBB in accordance with local needs and circumstances. Although Health Ministerial Regulation (Permenkes) No. 9/2020 stipulates detailed provisions on the activities that are banned, restricted or exempt while the PSBB is in effect.

Individuals and businesses both hope that the PSBB will be applied consistently and decisively, but not repressively. The people, business players – including MSMEs and freelancers – as well as the administration and security apparatuses need to be prepared in the event that stores, restaurants and offices are closed, and restrictions are placed on religious activities as well as public and private transportation in the city limits.

Kompas/Priyombodo

Densely packed residential areas stand amidst skyscrapers in this aerial shot of Jakarta, the epicenter of Indonesia’s Covid-19 outbreak, taken on Tuesday (7/4/2020). Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto on 7 April 2020 approved large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) for Jakarta, owing to the significant increase, rapid spread and local transmission of Covid-19 in the special capital region. Under Health Minister Regulation No. 9/2020 on PSBB guidelines, the social restrictions apply to schools, places of work, religious activities, activities in public spaces, mass transportation, and defense and security activities.

The biggest challenge is implementing the PSBB in densely populated areas. It is not easy to force residents to stay indoors and practice physical distancing. It must be guaranteed that low-income workers, wage laborers and MSMEs that may not work during the PSBB can continue to earn a decent living.

Read also: Pandemic and Justice

All eyes are on Jakarta in its implementation of the PSBB and to see whether the measure can effectively reduce the spread of Covid-19. Success can be achieved only if all stakeholders do their part in implementing the PSBB. Towards this end, the government must be solid, deliver effective communications and respond to public concerns while fulfilling the needs of its citizens.