TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo dismissed the opinion that a lockdown policy is being imposed in Tegal, clarifying that Tegal Mayor Dedy Yon Supriyono merely carried out local isolation in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Ganjar made the conclusion after contacting the deputy mayor for clarification. "I have rung the mayor, but he seems to be busy," said Ganjar in Semarang on Friday, March 27, 2020.

Ganjar asserted that the Tegal administration decided to put the city on isolation following the emergence of a confirmed Covid-19 case in the area.

Ganjar recalled that Dedy had talked to him about shutting down several locations that attract crowds. "The city square is put on a local lockdown," said Ganjar. Because there were still many gatherings in open spaces, Dedy was then determined to close entertainment venues. "And he restricts the entry access to the city and villages."

According to Ganjar, the decision taken by Tegal Mayor did not include the restriction of people to leave their homes. "The people are still allowed to go out, so it is not a lockdown," Ganjar stated, adding that people are banned to leave their homes during a lockdown.

Ganjar further reminded Tegal Mayor to be mindful of using the term lockdown given it attracted more dramatic news. "Journalists favor the term lockdown, so this issue had turned into a buzz," he added. "I have clarified that the point is limited isolation."

Ganjar Pranowo said he supported Tegal City if it is capable of initiating limited isolation up to the neighborhood unit (RT) level over the coronavirus outbreak. By means, the residents are only allowed to have social interaction within their respective neighborhood units.

JAMAL A NASHR