New Restrictions on Celebrations

KOMPAS/ANGGER PUTRANTO

Banyuwangi Regency Covid-19 Handling Task Force Coordination Meeting, Tuesday (29/12/2020). The Banyuwangi Regency Government plans to close all tourist destinations and public spaces for four days, from 31 December 2020 to 4 January 2021

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Several regions are imposing further restrictions on New Year’s Eve activities. Authorities in a number of regions are ready to disperse possible crowds on Thursday night (31/12/2020) to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19.

The Banyuwangi regency administration in East Java will impose additional restrictions by closing tourist spots. "All tourist attractions must be closed for four days from 31 December 2020 to 3 January 2021. In addition, public spaces, such as Blambangan Park and Sritanjung Park as well as all open green spaces must also be closed to ensure there are no crowds of people during the New Year holidays," Banyuwangi regency secretary Mujiono said in Banyuwangi on Tuesday (29/12/2020).

Also read: Regional Administrations Speed Up Preparations for Emergency COVID-19 Hospitals

Hotels in Banyuwangi are still allowed to receive guests. However, tourists who are about to stay overnight are required to present negative Covid-19 test results.

The National Police and Indonesian Military (TNI) will also set up checkpoints and disperse crowds. People who still assemble may get punished in accordance with Banyuwangi regency regulations.

Also read: Without Obedience, Situation Becomes Critical

Similarly, North Sulawesi has also set up checkpoints and patrols by the police and TNI. North Sulawesi Police chief Insp. Gen. RZ Panca Putra Simanjuntak said the posts were mainly established at access points to and from Manado to ensure that travelers are free of Covid-19. Each traveler will be asked to show negative results of a Covid-19 antigen rapid test.

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

Medical officers from the Tebet Warga Community Health Center provide a free antigen swab test service held by the Tebet Police at the Merry Christmas 2020 and New Year 2021 Post in Pancoran, Tebet, South Jakarta, Monday (28/12/2020).

Celebrate at home

Panca Putra also asked residents not to celebrate New Year\'s Eve outside their homes. Police will patrol and prohibit people from installing loudspeakers in residential complexes and organizing parties for large crowds. Such crowd will be dispersed.

New Year parades, likewise, are not permitted. People are not allowed to go around the city enjoying the atmosphere of New Year\'s Eve, even if they are alone. Fireworks and firecracker parties are also prohibited, as they could disrupt public order and attract crowds.

Also read: Yearend Holidays-The Use of Health Protocols Not Yet Optimal

A ban on crowds is also enforced in Jayapura, Papua. "We will not give permission for crowding for any party to hold New Year\'s Eve celebration activities," said Jayapura City Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Gustav Urbinas.

The Police and the Covid-19 task force in Jayapura will close a number of locations that may otherwise attract New Year celebrations. "We also restrict business activity to 10 p.m. local time. We will prosecute any people who still insist on holding a New Year\'s celebration,” said Gustav.

KOMPAS/KRISTI DWI UTAMI

Officers set up a road divider on Pancasila Street, East Tegal District, Tegal City, Central Java, Monday (28/12/2020). The Tegal City Government plans to close 24 entrances to the inner city area on New Year\'s Eve.

Micro restrictions

The Karawang regency administration in West Java has implemented micro-scale social restrictions (PSBM) in six districts. The PSBM will remain in force for 14 days, namely from 28 December 2020 to 11 January 2021, in East Telukjambe, West Karawang, Kota Baru, East Karawang, Klari and Cikampek.

Karawang regency will also temporarily close a number of popular places. Karawang regency secretary Acep Jamhuri said minimarkets, restaurants and cafes could only operate until 8 p.m.

Also read: Covid-19 Pandemic: The Bright Alleyway Scenario

Another measure is to restrict tourist visits. These restrictions are to suppress the spread of Covid-19 from visitors who travel between cities and come from high-risk zones. At New Year\'s Eve, the Galuh Mas area, Karawang Square and Karangpawitan Field will be closed to prevent people from gathering.

Meanwhile, the Tegal municipality administration in Central Java will close 24 roads on New Year\'s Eve to discourage residents from traveling.

Cross country

Aside from domestic travel, restrictions are also imposed on international movement. Starting on 28 December 2020, Indonesia will tighten border regulations. Anyone must have a negative Covid-19 test result before entering Indonesia.

In addition, anyone who arrives from abroad is required to get tested and undergo at least two swab tests using the PCR method. The first test is carried out upon arrival at the airport or seaport. The second test is conducted after a quarantine period of at least five days. Quarantine must be conducted at a place designated by the government.

Also read: Synergy in Overcoming Pandemic

KOMPAS/FAJAR RAMADHAN

Queues of passengers who want to do antigen and PCR tests at the Kalayang shelter at Terminal 2 Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Tuesday (22/12/2020).

Molecular genomics researcher from Aligning Bioinformatics, Riza Arief Putranto, appreciated the closing of border points to Indonesia to prevent the entry of a new, possibly more virulent strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, this new variant may have entered Indonesia already, because the mutation is believed to have occurred in September.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Budi G Sadikin appealed to anyone who has just returned from traveling from out of town to stay at home and strictly limit activities outside the home to 10 days.

Also read: Preventing New Year\'s Celebration Crowds

That appeal is based on the fact that Covid-19 cases numbers tends to increase after public holidays. After recent holiday periods, Covid-19 cases jumped by 40 percent within two weeks after the holidays. Thus, if there is no joint effort, a spike in Covid-19 cases is likely around 16-18 January 2021. This is assuming the year-end holidays will wrap up on 3 January 2021.

An epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia, Tri Yunis Miko, said public awareness should really be strengthened during the year-end holidays. The government must mobilize the initiative of residents who do not want to get infected. Appeals are not enough. The Jakarta provincial administration must limit the movement of people on New Year\'s Eve.

(AIK/DIV/FAI/FLO/GER/INA/OKA/MEL/XTI)

This article was translated by Kurniawan H. Siswoko.