COVID-19 Cases Soar High, Puan Maharani: The Danger Button Is On, A Large-Scale Social Restrictions Must Be Implemented!

JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, urged the government to immediately step up efforts to control COVID-19 as positive cases of Coronavirus in the country soar. According to Puan, large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) can be one way to control the spread of the virus.

"The danger button must be turned on for this emergency situation, and raise awareness of the dangers of a spike in COVID-19 cases", said Puan in Jakarta, Monday, June 21.

Puan assessed that the PSBB can be applied in areas that fall into the red zone category for the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, other regions can tighten the implementation of restrictions on micro-scale community activity restrictions (PPKM).

“The government must act immediately to deal with the increasingly worrying spike in COVID-19 cases. Implement limited PSBB for red zone areas, or tighten the micro-scale PPKM", said the PDIP Party politician.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture said the central government must be able to determine serious and urgent handling steps against this pandemic. As well as ensuring close coordination and supervision in handling COVID-19, especially in red zone areas.

Moreover, the explosion of COVID-19 cases on the island of Java is increasingly worrying due to a large number of residents with high mobility, as well as the implementation of health protocols that have not been optimal.

In addition, there are civil society groups that have signed online petitions. Where to urge the government to carry out a regional quarantine or lockdown and other demands.

Moreover, according to the Health Quarantine Law, the government has the authority to take steps to limit social distancing or even lock down to overcome this pandemic.

"Policy directions from the central government as soon as possible are urgently needed considering the spread of COVID-19 in various regions (across regions)", said Puan.