TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Argo Yuwono declared that police are ready to support any decision taken by the central government, either local quarantines or a nationwide lockdown. The statement comes following the increasing number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.

"Referring to the public safety principle, we will wait for the government's decision on what to enforce. The police is prepared," Argo said in a video press conference on Monday, March 30, 2020.

Meanwhile, in relation to Jakarta Metro Jaya Police simulation of a local quarantine, regional police spokesman Sr. Comr. Yusri Yunus clarified that it was merely a preventive measure, Yusri added that the police are ready to implement a different approach should the central government decided not to exercise a lockdown.

"The point is that the police do not want to underestimate the situation. We must be prepared for anything, even drastic measures, which will be based on the government's policy," said Yusri.

However, Yusri did not elaborate in detail about the entrances to the city that will be closed should a local coronavirus quarantine is applied. He only said that a simulation of such a policy will not be tested on the field but will be conducted in Metro Jaya Police's controlled environment.

ANDITA RAHMA