Jokowi Orders PSBB Relaxation in Economic Areas

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has given the instruction to apply a more relaxed large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in the country's economic areas, according to the Covid-19 task force chairman Doni Monardo after a meeting with the president on Thursday, June 4, 2020.

"The first [sector to be resumed] is related to mining, then industry, plantations, and other sectors that have low risk [of Covid-19] to local residents," Doni explained.

Therefore, Doni said that he will coordinate with related institutions as soon as possible to consider which sectors are eligible for the policy relaxation.

"After data and inputs from ministries and institutions are ready, [we will] announce which sectors that must be relaxed immediately [from the restriction]," Doni added.

Although President Jokowi asked for the policy relaxation in several areas, Doni asserted that health protocols will remain fundamental.

Since the Covid-19 vaccine is not yet available, people wondered when the ongoing pandemic will end. Therefore, Doni underlined that such conditions will leave people to rely on their ability to adapt to the threat of the coronavirus.

"That's what we have to prepare, warn about it cautiously, not being careless, and stay vigilant. So our activities will remain parallel. We are still keeping the people safe from Covid-19 exposure, but also looking after our people from getting layoff," Doni said.

EGI ADYATAMA