No Mask in Open Space Policy A 'Good Sign', Jakarta Deputy Gov Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria supports the central government's policy to stop mandating the use of face masks in open spaces. The Jakarta government, he said, will immediately make adjustments with regard to the policy.

The Jakarta Provincial Government, said Riza, supports the mask-free policy in open spaces. This means that the Covid-19 pandemic is more under control.

"If we can stop wearing masks in open spaces, that's a very good sign. We are happy and we support it. We will support the program even though it still excludes the elderly and [people with] comorbidities," Riza said in Jakarta, Wednesday, May 18.

According to Riza, the policy is implementable in Jakarta according to the central government's direction. "We have the support of facilities, a fast, extensive network, good infrastructure, and human resources," he remarked.

However, Riza reminded that President Joko Widodo's order is to keep wearing masks in closed spaces. Furthermore, elderly people and people with comorbidities—as well as people who have influenza—are still required to wear masks outdoors.

Yesterday, President Jokowi stated that the government had decided to ease mask rules, allowing people not to wear masks outdoors on in open spaces, as the pandemic situation in Indonesia is more under control.

In addition to removing masks in open spaces, the government has also relaxed travel rules. Domestic and international travelers who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to undergo swab tests.

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Antara