Government Opts for Special Restrictions during Yearend

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Train passengers wait for the departure of the train at Pasar Senen Station, Jakarta, Tuesday (11/30/2021). According to Home Minister Tito Karnavian, the government decided to implement a more balanced measure by taking into account the conditions of each region.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Home Ministry has backtracked on the travel ban and prohibition of government and private employees from taking leave during Christmas and New Year through the revision of the Home Ministerial Instruction no. 62/2021.

The revision, which was announced by the ministry’s information center head Benni Irwan in Jakarta on Tuesday (7/12/2021), followed the government's decision to cancel the implementation of the public activity restriction (PPKM) level 3 during the period between 24 December 2021 to 2 January 2022 for all regions.

"The Home Ministry has decided to make this revision," Benni said.

According to Home Minister Tito Karnavian, the government decided to implement a more balanced measure by taking into account the conditions of each region.

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The three-tier public activity restrictions would be replaced by a measure specifically formulated for Christmas and New Year, which was scheduled to be discussed further with regional heads on Wednesday (8/12).

Tito, who was interviewed after attending the House of Representatives’ plenary meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday, said the decision to apply the special measures on Christmas and New Year had been taken following a meeting at the State Palace.

"While [PPKM] level 3 allowed 50 percent to the mall, the special restrictions, based on yesterday's meeting, will allow 75 percent and require the use of the PeduliLindung application," he said.

The cancellation of PPKM level 3 for all regions was also conveyed by Coordinating Maritime and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

However, he cautioned about the possible emergence of new variant Omicron cases.

He said the pandemic mitigation efforts in Indonesia had shown an improvement. However, he cautioned about the possible emergence of new variant Omicron cases.

Changes in the policy drew criticism from many circles. Kurniasih Mufidayati, a member of House Commission IX, overseeing demographic affairs, health and manpower, from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) faction, said vigilance had to be heightened over new variants. "[The surveillance policy] has now changed again," she said.

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Tito dismissed the suggestions that the government was inconsistent, saying evaluations had been made before determining the level of PPKM.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry announced that the number of Covid-19 cases in Indonesia this week fell by 200-300 cases per day, with the positivity rate going down from 0.19 to 0.13 percent.

KOMPAS/RADITYA HELABUMI

Traffic density on Jalan Sudirman, Jakarta, Tuesday (30/11/2021). PPKM level 2 is again enforced in Jakarta during the extension of PPKM in Java-Bali period 30 November-13 December 2021.

"The figure is very low, but we must remain vigilant. The Delta variant still dominates in Indonesia and survives up to 23 mutations," Siti Nadia Tarmizi, the ministry’s spokesperson for Covid-19 vaccinations, said.

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A number of local administrations have chosen to remain strict in handling the pandemic mitigation.

Central Java’s Pekalongan mayor Achmad Afzan Arslan Djunaid is still prohibiting civil servants from taking leave during Christmas and New Year, while West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil has decided to keep tight supervision on the health protocols.

On the other hand, the cancellation of PPKM level 3 for all regions drew positive responses from the business sector, as shown by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).

“This cancellation will be able to increase economic productivity at the end of the year. Various micro, small, medium enterprises will have the opportunity to augment their turnover amid the uncertainty caused by the pandemic," Sarman Simanjorang, Kadin’s deputy chairperson for regional autonomy development, said.

KOMPAS/TATANG MULYANA SINAGA

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil.

While hailing the adjusted implementation of PPKM, which she said would not intervene in the improved economic trend, House Speaker Puan Maharani reminded business actors to adhere to health protocols. (PDW/MTK/REK/HLN/XTI/TAM)

(This article was translated by Musthofid).