The Dynamics Behind Lifting Coronavirus Social Restriction, PPKM

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo officially revoked the coronavirus social restriction or PPKM on December 30, yet various concerns still arose among the public. One of the reasons is the mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant BF.7 entering Indonesia. 

This specific subvariant triggered a spike in cases in numerous other countries, namely China. Several other countries have appeared to restrict travelers from China, such as the UK and France which require passengers from China to present a negative Covid-19 test result two days before their departure overseas.

The move came after doubts over the transparency of official data from Beijing, which raised concerns about a surge in infections. But China considers this policy discriminatory.

However, Indonesia has not taken any recent steps toward limiting tourist travel amid the outbreak of the BF.7 subvariant. Assuming the position as the Covid-19 Task Force spokesperson, Wiku Adisasmito, said that in fact, travel restrictions had never been lifted until today, even though PPKM was stopped.

“It is still in effect,” said Wiku to Tempo on January 1, 2023. 

The restriction is still mentioned under the Covid-19 Task Force Circular (SE) No.25/2022 regulating overseas travel health protocols that have been made effective since September 1. This circular subjects every traveler entering Indonesia to take a PCR swab test if their body temperatures are tested above 37.5 degrees Celsius and they must undergo isolation or treatment if the tests come out positive. 

Wiku asserted that this is where the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) tests are still being carried out to find out the Covid-19 variant. This policy applies to all international visitors and does not subject a particular country.

COVID Restrictions Revoked but Health Protocol Continues

As reported previously, President Jokowi officially lifted the PPKM policy starting on December 30, 2022, after he assessed that all Covid-19 indicators in the country were below WHO standards. As of December 27, there were only 1.7 cases per million population and a weekly positivity rate of 3.35 percent.

Furthermore, the hospital Bed Occupancy Ratio (BOR) was logged at 4.79 percent, and the mortality rate was 2.39 percent. These are the driving factors motivating Jokowi to stop the PPKM. "There are no more restrictions on crowds and people's activities," the President said.

Not only are travel restrictions still implemented, but health protocols are also still being enforced by the government. Jokowi urged the public to continue implementing the use of face masks and vaccinations.

"The use of masks in crowds and closed spaces must continue. Vaccination awareness must continue to be encouraged because this will help increase immunity," said Jokowi.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian said there is still a possibility for coronavirus restrictions to be implemented again. "If there is a spike [in the number of cases], the PPKM can be reinforced," said Tito.

Even though the PPKM was revoked, Tito emphasized that the Covid-19 Task Force at the central and regional levels would not be disbanded. The task forces are asked to continue monitoring their respective areas. "If something urgent arises, they will quickly take action," said Tito.

People who have symptoms of respiratory problems such as coughs, runny nose, and similar illnesses are also advised to continue wearing masks. Tito said the government wants wearing masks to become a new habit.

"Similar to developed countries, Japan, for example, if someone has symptoms of respiratory problems, they consciously wear a mask," said the former National Police Chief.

BF.7 Subvariant 

Before Jokowi announced the revocation of the coronavirus restriction or PPKM, the BF.7 subvariant had been confirmed in Indonesia with 15 confirmed patients whose specimens have actually been taken since October 2022.

They reported only experiencing mild flu-like symptoms and were carrying out self-isolation. However, since December 29, the Ministry of Health spokesperson Siti Nadia Tarmizi stated that 15 of these patients had been declared cured.

"We don't need to worry that since October there has been no sign of an increase in BF.7 cases. All patients (now) are healthy," Nadia said at the time.

This was one of Jokowi's considerations to stop the PPKM. He even said that there had been no spike in cases in the last 10 months. Thus, Jokowi insisted that the termination of PPKM had gone through a study and was not taken in haste.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO

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