Entrepreneurs Expect Government To Lower PPKM To Level 3: Closed Sectors Must Open For Business Continuity

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the DKI Jakarta Indigenous Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association (HIPP), Sarman Simanjorang, hopes that the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in DKI Jakarta can be lowered to level 3 to support business continuity.

Sarman admitted that currently, entrepreneurs are in an H2C condition (Hope Please be Anxious) waiting for the government's announcement, whether PPKM level 4 is still being extended or not.

"From the side of business actors, they certainly hope that PPKM level 4 will end so that various business sectors that have been closed for a month can operate for business continuity. Even if it is still extended, we hope that the level can be lowered from PPKM level 4 to PPKM level 3, especially in DKI Jakarta", he said in a written statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Monday, August 2.

This, he continued, considering that the number of COVID-19 cases in Jakarta in the past week had decreased, the PPKM level should have been lowered.

He emphasized that employers remained committed to implementing strict health protocols when the government gave concessions. Employers also fully support various government programs to combat COVID-19, such as vaccination programs and socialization of 5M among workers and their families.

"With PPKM Level 4 which was extended from July 26 to August 2, micro and small businesses can operate even with the limited number of visitors and hours as well as strict procedures, but this slack has built a spirit of optimism that will slowly rise for business continuity in the future", he said.

Sarman also appreciated the government for providing productive business capital assistance of IDR 1.2 million to micro and small business actors. He assessed that the assistance would greatly help the capital of micro and small businesses which had almost run out during the implementation of the emergency PPKM.

However, he assessed that the fate of mall managers and shop owners in them, as well as various service and tourism business sectors, is still waiting for the government's decision today.

"If it is still extended and cannot operate, of course, it will be very difficult for its business continuity. Because from July 3 to August 2 they practically have no turnover and profit, on the other hand, operational costs continue", he said.

He suggested that if the government had allowed malls to open, the option that those who were allowed to visit the malls had vaccine certificates could be considered. It is also hoped that it will increase public awareness to immediately follow the vaccination.

"Hopefully the government can make wise decisions by considering health aspects, the fate of business actors, and existing social dynamics", said Sarman.