Jokowi Allows Not Wearing Masks Outdoors, Puan Maharani: Don't Excess Euphoria, Keep Prokes

JAKARTA - The Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, welcomed the government's policy announced by President Joko Widodo regarding the easing of the use of masks in public spaces. According to him, this policy is in accordance with the development of the transition from the pandemic to the COVID-19 endemic which is getting better.

"The DPR appreciates the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, so that now people can take off their masks when doing outdoor activities or in open areas that are not crowded," said Puan in a statement to reporters, Wednesday, May 18.

However, Puan reminded that the policy of easing the use of masks should not be responded to with excessive euphoria, so that people ignore other health protocols.

"Other health protocols, such as washing hands with soap, not only prevent COVID-19, but also other diseases," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture advised the public to use health protocols as a benchmark in their activities. Because according to him, the masks used can be an effort to prevent the transmission of diseases through the air.

"The masks we wear will prevent various kinds of airborne diseases. Health protocols protect themselves and their families. Don't be too euphoric because of the easing of the use of masks," said Puan.

In addition, the chairman of the PDIP DPP asked the public to always pay attention to health conditions. Moreover, Indonesia is now starting to enter the transition season which is prone to various diseases.

"If possible, cultivate the habit of wearing masks, such as the hygienic culture of the Japanese people as self-protection and the surrounding environment," he concluded.

It is known, President Joko Widodo announced that currently people are no longer required to wear masks when outside.

Jokowi said this decision was made by taking into account the increasingly controlled condition of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

"The government has decided to relax the policy on wearing masks. If people are doing outdoor activities or in open areas that are not crowded with people, they are allowed not to wear masks," Jokowi said at a press conference at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Tuesday, May 17.