12 Year Olds Can Enter Malls, Task Force: If It's Not Urgent, It's Better To Stay At Home

JAKARTA - The government conducted a trial of allowing children under 12 years of age to enter malls or shopping centers in 5 cities that implemented PPKM Level 3 until October 4.

However, Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito, appealed to parents not to bring their children to the mall if they don't have an urgent need.

"Although children under the age of 12 have been allowed to enter, I urge that if it is not too urgent, it is better for children to stay at home," said Wiku in a virtual press conference, Tuesday, September 21.

Wiku said that the change in regulations in PPKM, both in opening sectors and organizing community activities, was a form of careful easing towards a productive but still safe community from COVID-19.

Therefore, when bringing children into the mall, Wiku asks parents to always accompany them.

"Please parents as companions to remain careful by ensuring that health protocols are implemented properly during activities in shopping centers. In addition, the task force at public facilities makes good enforcement efforts," he said.

Previously, the government extended the Java-Bali PPKM for 2 weeks from September 21 to October 4, 2021. In this PPKM extension, the government conducted a trial of allowing children under 12 years of age to enter malls or shopping centers.

"A mall shopping center will be tested for children under the age of 12 with parental supervision and assistance," said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menkomarves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

However, this trial has only been run in five major cities. "(This trial) will be implemented in the areas of Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Special Region of Yogyakarta and Surabaya," he continued.