Jokowi Discloses Reasons for Choosing Micro PPKM over Lockdown

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo disclosed reasons for enforcing the policy of public activity restrictions on a micro-scale or Micro PPKM instead of lockdown or the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB). The economy is one of the government’s considerations.

“Why did the government decide on Micro PPKM? Because the government sees that the Micro PPKM is still the most appropriate policy for the current situation to contain Covid-19, because it can be applied without killing the people's economy,” said the President as broadcasted on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel, Wednesday, June 23.

He was aware that many suggested the central government enforce the PSBB. He said the government appreciated them yet it must take policies by considering economic, social, political conditions, and reflecting on the experiences of other countries.

“And the government decides that Micro PPKM is still the most appropriate policy to curb Covid-19 transmission up to the village level or the root of the issues, the community,” the state head remarked.

He believed that the Covid-19 cases can be controlled if the policy is enforced properly in the field. “Micro PPKM and lockdown have the same substance, which is limiting community activities. On that basis, there is no need to argue.”

“If the Micro PPKM is implemented properly and the policy enforcement keeps being strengthened, the case rate should be under control,” Jokowi underlined. 

Read: Economists Urge Jokowi to Enforce Lockdown to Contain Pandemic

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