TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto has rejected the Large Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) status proposal for Sorong, West Papua, and Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan.

The PSBB status rejection has been stipulated in the Ministerial Decrees numbered SR.01.07/ Menkes/ 24 and SR.01.07/ Menkes/ 24, for Sorong and Palangka Raya respectively, on 12 April 2020.

The Sorong City Government had previously applied for PSBB status on April 6, with Palangka Raya submitting their proposal two days later.

The proposals for PSBB submitted by the two regional governments have been equipped with data and documents on the number and distribution of COVID-19 cases, epidemiological links, and consideration of regional readiness in social, economic, and other aspects.

"Based on the results of epidemiological studies and other aspects, as well as taking into account the considerations of the COVID-19 Task Force, the City of Palangka Raya in Central Borneo Province is not yet able to be under PSBB," wrote Terawan, as according to a copy of the letter received by Tempo, on Monday, April 13, 2020.

Terawan has communicated similarly in his denial of the PSBB status for Sorong.

In spite of this, both regions have been asked to handle the COVID-19 outbreak as according to protocols and statutory provisions.

Government Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Achmad Yurianto, previously explained that the PSBB status is not a decision solely approved by the Ministry of Health, as the ministry is only responsible for three decisive factors related to health matters.

On the other hand, the other three decisive factors related to the availability of basic necessities, the budget and social safety nets, as well as security matters, respectively, are not reviewed by the Ministry of Health.

EGI ADYATAMA