Sahroni Supports Odd-Even Hours Of Tanah Abang Market Stores: Slightly Off, Cases Soar

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the DPR, Ahmad Sahroni, supports the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government's policy of establishing odd-even rules at Tanah Abang Market to prevent new clusters of the spread of COVID-19. This move was judged appropriate because of the crowd at the largest wholesale hub in Southeast Asia.

According to Sahroni, this step is very important given the high rate of transmission in Jakarta. He admitted that the situation in Tanah Abang yesterday was very dire and dangerous.

"Obviously it cannot be ignored because it is certain that it can become a new cluster. Do not let us look a little bit, cases will soar," said Sahroni in Jakarta, Monday, May 3.

Moreover, he continued, the momentum ahead of Eid would certainly make the number of visitors to Tanah Abang explode. So, the local government must issue regulations that limit the crowd.

"But, I also understand that the wheels of the economy cannot be stopped just like that. So there is no possibility of a full closure. So I agree with the concept of opening and closing, at least the visitors are limited, and with the officers enforcing this rule," explained the NasDem politician.

The legislator for the DKI Jakarta electoral district reminded all elements of society to continue to comply with health protocols to avoid a spike in cases such as in India.

"We don't want what happened in India to happen here, that's why this anticipation is needed, and what's important is that practice in the field must be strictly adhered to," concluded Sahroni.

As is known, over the past few days, Tanah Abang Market, Central Jakarta has been crowded with visitors who want to buy new clothes ahead of Eid Al-Fitr. The crowd was inevitable, even outside the market building.

Finally, the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan took steps so that the crowd in Tanah Abang would not repeat itself and one of them was by dividing the schedule for closing the market.

In addition, there is also a change in the schedule for the commuter line that crosses Tanah Abang station. Starting today, 15.00 to 19.00 commuter line trains will not stop at Tanah Abang Station. As an alternative for the community, DKI continues to provide TransJakarta buses from Jalan Jati Baru to other stations.

Not only that, traders also have to sell in the market building. Buying and selling activities may not be carried out on the sidewalks around Tanah Abang Market as this creates a risk of crowds.