Entrepreneur: Actually, We Don't Want Emergency PPKM To Be Extended, But We Have To Solve COVID-19 Problem First

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The business community has responded to the government's plan regarding the discourse on extending the Implementation of Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) from the beginning until July 20, 2021.

"It looks like this, if the entrepreneur doesn't want to. But if you look at the reality, you can't. We have to solve the COVID-19 problem first. Until the number of cases goes down. Because as we know, the virus is getting more virulent and easy to spread," said the Industry Chairman. Manufacturing Association of Indonesian Employers (Apindo) for the 2015-2020 period Johnny Darmawan, quoted from Antara, Monday 19 July.

According to Johnny, business activities can be revived when COVID-19 cases fall to a minimum, for example at 10,000 cases per day as happened during the pandemic, where business activities and community movements can still be carried out with strict health protocols.

Johnny said, basically, entrepreneurs have felt a heavy impact for almost two years in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the various fiscal incentives provided by the government, business actors claim to be helped.

With the plan to extend the Emergency PPKM, Johnny expressed his hope that the government would consider keeping businesses and industries running.

"Now that the incentives are running, we hope that if the Emergency PPKM is extended, how can the government keep the industry running, don't let it die," said Johnny.

Nevertheless, Johnny hopes that the Emergency PPKM that is currently running will be able to significantly reduce COVID-19 cases in Indonesia until July 20, 2021. However, if according to his evaluation, the case still does not show a downward trend, Johnny sees the need for an extension.

"We will see in the next few days, hopefully, the trend of cases can drop significantly. If it increases, there is no other way," said Johnny.