TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Transportation Agency Head Syafrin Liputo claimed he was waiting for the instruction from the Health Ministry to limit public transportation following the government’s policy on large-scale social restrictions.

“We are not yet able to impose restrictions (suspend mass transport) until now,” said Syafrin on Thursday, April 2. The city administration earlier recommended the suspension of public transport operation in an effort against the coronavirus transmission.

Previously, the Greater Jakarta Transport Management Agency (BPTJ) issued a circular No. SE 5 BPTJ of 2020 asking for restrictions on public transportation up to toll roads this Wednesday per request of the city administration who wanted to halt the operation of the Greater Jakarta-based intercity and interprovincial (AKAP) buses since last Monday.

Syafrin said the government was still studying the restrictions on mass transportation. Before it is approved, he said, his side would focus on imposing strict health care protocols in public transportation.

"We will tighten the health care protocol either at train stations, bus terminals, bus stops, and the facilities," he added.

With these efforts, he hoped the potential of the coronavirus transmission in mass transportation could be suppressed significantly. Syafrin also reminded the public to comply with physical distancing appeal and maintain a safe distance from others.

IMAM HAMDI