Coordinating Minister For PMK: Not Easing, But Reducing PSBB

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy said the government did not relax Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) but only made a reduction in the policy.

"What I need to emphasize is that there is no easing of the PSBB, (there is, red) reducing restrictions, yes, but it is being reviewed," said Muhadjir in a press conference after a limited meeting regarding the acceleration of handling COVID-19 which was broadcast on a YouTube account, Monday, May 18.

Although the government will make a scenario to reduce PSBB, he reminded that everything will be regulated by the COVID-19 health protocol. So, people cannot go around and violate health protocols.

"Do not mean 'loosening at will I want', after loosening it should not be arbitrary. In fact, health protocols must be tightened when restrictions on reduction are implemented," Muhadjir said.

Health protocols in public places, from restaurants to places of worship, will be discussed by the Ministry of Health and the Task Force for the Acceleration of Handling COVID-19. Including, when it comes to a place or event that is attended by many people.

"So the protocol in the restaurant, during worship, how to attend events with a lot of visitors, must be obeyed, it's new normal, Friday prayers in congregation will be different from before the new normal," he said.

Moreover, the government has not revoked the health emergency status announced by President Joko Widodo some time ago. So, with the Presidential Decree Number 19 of 2020 still in effect, the health emergency and its derivative regulations will continue to apply.

It was reported that President Joko Widodo had stated that the government had not decided to ease the Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) during the current corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic even though he had made a scenario about the easing.

However, the implementation has not been decided yet because it is still waiting for the right time. "I want to emphasize that there is no policy for easing the PSBB," said Jokowi when opening a limited meeting on the acceleration of handling COVID-19 which was broadcast on the YouTube account of the Presidential Secretariat, Monday, May 18.

"Because it doesn't appear later, it's wrong to catch the public that the government is loosening the PSBB. Not yet. So there is no policy for easing the PSBB," he added.

In determining this easing decision, he said, the government continues to monitor conditions in the community and existing data regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia. "Let everything be clear because we have to be careful not to make the wrong decision," he said.