TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chief of the Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), Arifin, has admitted that numerous violations have occurred against the Large Scale Social Distancing Restriction (PSBB) policy throughout the week leading to Eid al-Fitr, known also as Lebaran.

According to Arifin, the violations occurred in markets that would traditionally be busy selling Ramadan supplies, in the Eid al-Fitr of yesteryears.

“For example, in the Tanah Abang Market a few days ago. Many market vendors have begun selling, even though it is not allowed yet, because the PSBB (policy) is still enacted," Arifin said when contacted on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

Aside from Tanah Abang Market, Central Jakarta, a number of other markets throughout the capital, such as Cipulir Market, South Jakarta and Jatinegara Market, East Jakarta, have all been observed to be crowded, leading up to this week’s Eid al-Fitr.

"Vendors are taking advantage of the situation before Lebaran, because the demand is indeed high. So they opened their stalls again," Arifin said.

Thus far, according to Arifin, markets had only been supervised by regional branches of the Jakarta Public Order Agency. In response, the Jakarta Public Order Agency is set to mobilize more personnel to increase security measures in various markets that will potentially become a point of crowd gathering.

“To tighten security, the Jakarta Satpol PP will help by sending more personnel. Previously, the supervision in Tanah Abang Market was not effective as it was only secured by the Central Jakarta Satpol PP," he said.

In addition to more personnel, Arifin’s ranks will impose sanctions on people found in violation of the PSBB, in the form of social work or fines, while also disbanding any market vendors who dared to sell their goods.

“As such, we hope that everyone will comply, because this policy is carried out to protect the public,” he added.

IMAM HAMDI | DIO SUHENDA (INTERN TRANSLATOR)