TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister of Legal, Political, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md stated that the government is currently drafting a government regulation (PP) on regional quarantine in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

"Along with others, we are preparing a draft of government regulation because [a quarantine] must be regulated under government regulations," said Mahfud in a video conference on Friday, March 27, 2020.

The measure was taken after several regions enforced local isolation, such as Tegal and Surabaya. Mahfud explained that the regulation would rule when a region could restrict public movement or enforce lockdown and the procedure.

A region, Mahfud added, could initiate a lockdown if it is proposed by the head of the provincial Covid-19 task force in coordination with the relevant ministries including the Health Ministry and Trade Ministry to ensure they will not suffering from any shortages. Despite being in quarantine, Mahfud guaranteed that the flow of supply of staple needs in locked-down regions will continue.

Mahfud said that regional isolation must be regulated through PP in accordance with Article 10 of Law No. 6/2018 concerning Health Quarantine, adding that the regulation will be completed as soon as possible given the developing situation.

"We are in an emergency. So in a short time, the PP will be issued. Perhaps, it will be clear next week," Mahfud added.

As for regions that have already carried out regional quarantine before the issuance of PP, Mahfud Md said the matter will be managed by the Home Affairs Ministry.

EGI ADYATAMA