TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo demanded the Covid-19 mitigation task force to be more active in curbing the virus spread in the next two weeks. He opined the moment of Eid al-Fitr or Lebaran holiday must be fully used to contain the virus pandemic.

“I demand the task force ensure that the Covid-19 mitigation efforts in five provinces in Java Island are carried out effectively, particularly in the next two weeks. This is our chance [to curb virus spread] until lebaran,” said the President when opening a limited meeting on the evaluation of the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) on Tuesday, May 12.

This year's Eid al-Fitr was predicted to fall on May 24.

He cited the team’s data that 70 percent of confirmed cases are recorded in Java Island. The mortality rate on the island is also the highest at 82 percent.

Besides, out of ten provinces with the most positive cases, only three provinces are enforcing the PSBB order, namely Jakarta, West Java, and West Sumatra.

“So we must evaluate [the mitigation efforts] either in provinces or cities that do not implement PSBB, or regions carrying out physical distancing order and strict health protocols in daily life,” the president underlined.

Jokowi further asserted that regions enforcing the PSBB and those that did not do so must be compared considering there should be innovation emerging in the field. Each region applied policy on social restrictions based on conditions in their respective areas.

EGI ADYATAMA