Jokowi: Export-Oriented Industry Can Operate 100 Percent, If It Becomes A COVID-19 Cluster Closed For 5 Days

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said export-oriented industries could operate 100 percent. This was conveyed after a decrease in the level of implementation of the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in several areas on the island of Java-Bali.

"Export-oriented industries and their supports can operate 100 percent", Jokowi said in a press conference broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Monday, August 23.

However, these industrial activities must be closed when a COVID-19 case is found that causes a new cluster.

"However, if it becomes a new cluster of COVID-19, it will be closed for five days", said the former governor of DKI Jakarta.

Jokowi said the adjustment was made because there was a decline in COVID-19 cases by up to 78 percent which resulted in a decrease in the number of occupancy of beds in hospitals.

"By seeing the improvement in several indicators, the government will consider making gradual adjustments to some restrictions on community activities", he said.

In addition to industry, there are several adjustments made such as those related to dining in or in restaurants.

"Restaurants are allowed to eat on-site with a maximum of 25 percent, 2 people per table, and operational restrictions are until 8 p.m", said Jokowi.

Next, he also said that malls or shopping centers were allowed to open. However, managers still have to implement strict health protocols and operating hours will remain limited.

"Shopping centers and malls are allowed to open until 20:00 with a maximum of 50 percent of capacity with the implementation of the process which is further regulated by the regional government", said Jokowi.

Finally, he also invited places of worship to carry out worship activities but the capacity was still limited to a maximum of 25 percent or 30 people with the implementation of health protocols.

Previously reported, President Jokowi extended PPKM in Java-Bali. However, the Jabodetabek agglomeration area and the number of regencies/cities have decreased from Level 4 to Level 3.

"The government has decided that starting from August 24 to August 30, 2021, some regions can be lowered from level 4 to level 3. Java and Bali islands, the agglomeration areas of Greater Jakarta, Greater Bandung, Greater Surabaya, and several other cities/district areas can already be at level 3 starting on August 24", Jokowi said.

According to Jokowi, there has been quite good progress in handling COVID-19 in Java and Bali regarding the PPKM level.

"There is quite good progress, level 4 from 67 regencies/cities has decreased to 51 regencies/cities. Level 3 from 59 regencies/cities to 67 regencies/cities. Level 2 from 2 regencies/cities to 10 regencies/cities", continued Jokowi.