Governor Talks of Heavy Traffic during First Day of PSBB Surabaya

TEMPO.CO, Surabaya - East Java provincial administration evaluated the first-day implementation of the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) in Greater Surabaya as part of the containment efforts of COVID-19 spread.

“We will evaluate the first day of the PSBB,” said East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa at Grahadi State Building, Surabaya, Tuesday, April 28.

The social restriction on a large scale was enacted starting April 28 in Surabaya, Gresik, and Sidoarjo, and is effective until May 11, 2020.

Despite the order, heavy traffic was seen in Waru Roundabout areas, Sidoarjo borders, and Surabaya City. Cars and motorcycles packed the roads during peak hours at 7-8 a.m.

Khofifah claimed she was shocked to see the long line of motorized vehicles in the streets. Thus she coordinated with East Java Regional Police Chief Insp. Gen. Luki Hermawan and Brawijaya Military Commander May. Gen Widodo Iryansyah on the matter.

She established evaluations by contacting some parties, especially those related to employment because the traffic was likely crowded by workers in the regions.

“We call in several parties, such as Apindo and representatives of PT Surabaya Industrial Estate Rungkut (SIER) to discuss measures so that the PSBB will run smoothly, especially for workers,” the governor said.

Khofifah added that her side was opting to add more checkpoints, procure more thermal scanners to detect body temperature, and improve the sound system to reach motorists on the roads.

ANTARA