Jakarta Deputy Governor Reminds All Not to Take COVID-19 Lightly

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria acknowledged that people were bored of staying home during the Large-scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) so that when the city entered the new normal era, it sparked a wave of euphoria.

“Boredom indeed looms over the community, they feel bored and enthusiastic to leave home,” said Ahmad Riza at the City Hall in Central Jakarta, Friday, July 24.

However, he reminded Jakartans to stick to the predetermined health protocols of wearing face masks, keeping a distance, and washing hands frequently, given the ongoing pandemic.

Ahmad Riza said that virus transmission still occured since people did not comply with the basic health principles. “Pay attention to this. Do not underestimate this. Don't wait until our family gets infected,” he underlined.

Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) Head Arifin shared a similar statement that many PSBB violations were caused by boredom at staying home.

“Most of the excuses behind the violation is that the PSBB takes a long period and they are bored. They also feel that the situation is already safe from the COVID-19,” Arifin said.

Based on the Satpol PP data since the onset of the transitional PSBB on June 5 until July 23, a total of 37,883 people had been sanctioned. As many as 3,383 of them were obliged to pay a fine of Rp250,000 for not wearing face masks in public places, and others were subjected to social works.

Read: Authorities: People Misinterpret New Normal Term

TAUFIQ SIDDIQ | IMAM HAMDI