Malls Open to Kids Under 12; Jakarta Deputy Gov Says of Parents' Responsibility

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria confirmed children under the age of 12 who are already allowed to enter malls or shopping centers during the level 3 public mobility restriction or PPKM Level 3 are the responsibility of the parents. However, Riza suggested people stay at home.

“[Children] are surely the responsibility of the parents. As much as possible, the best place especially for children and parents is at home,” Riza said in the City Hall on Monday night, September 20. He underlined that it is better for people to stay home.

According to him, as the PPKM rules are relaxed, the potential for COVID-19 transmission will increase because many people possibly leave their houses resulting in crowds and more interaction in public spaces. “At a time like this, we must be stricter and more self-disciplined.”

The government has again extended the multi-level PPKM in the Java-Bali region until the next two weeks, or October 4, 2021. Along with the improvement in the COVID-19 trend, the government adjusted several rules.

Among them is the opening of shopping centers or malls for children under the age of 12 with parental supervision which takes effect in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya on a trial basis.

Read: PPKM Level 4; Jakarta Malls Remain Closed

ADAM PRIREZA | DEWI NURITA