Public Euphoria In The New Year, And The Government's Efforts To Stop The COVID-19 Rate

Fireworks illustration

JAKARTA - Polda Metro Jaya has officially banned residents from holding fireworks and firecrackers on Christmas Eve 2021 and New Year's 2022. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has also intensified the prohibition.

Although fireworks are generally just an entertainment show at New Year's Eve celebrations, the government is currently banning the show because it is feared to cause crowds and it is feared that it could lead to a spike in COVID-19 transmission.

The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan has also issued Governor's Decree (Kepgub) Number 1473 concerning PPKM Level One. In the Governor's Decree, Anies prohibits celebration parties with crowds in open and closed places which will take effect from today, Friday, December 24, until January 2, 2022.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has prohibited celebratory parties in public areas, public parks, and public tourist attractions to prevent and cope with COVID-19.

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan/DOK PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

In the East Jakarta area, the East Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Erwin Kurniawan has instructed his staff to conduct raids on the circulation of illegal fireworks and firecrackers without a permit. The raid was carried out until D-1 on New Year's Eve 2022.

"It's not allowed, the government has clearly banned it. There will be no party, even if it happens we will confiscate it. We will investigate," said East Jakarta Metro Police Chief Kombes Pol Erwin, to VOI, Friday, December 24.

According to the police chief, fireworks and firecrackers are often misused by the installers. Fireworks and firecrackers can disturb other people, and can even trigger brawls.

Fireworks and firecrackers, continued the Police Chief, were related to anglers or intellectual actors who ordered a brawl. Installation of fireworks and firecrackers is done first as a commotion.

Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya Kombes E. Zulpan/PHOTO: Rizky Adytia-VOI

"Investigation to what extent. Sometimes (fireworks and firecrackers) cause fires. So we can see and relate them to criminal articles," he said.

Kombes Pol Erwin asked that the sellers of fireworks who are legal (having permits) must provide education to the public regarding the impact of the dangers that can be caused to avoid unwanted negative things.

"The sellers (permitted imported fireworks) remind their parents, if the children who buy it are asked what it is for. If they have a conscience to prevent the children, it is better for those who buy it to be accompanied by their parents so they understand that this is dangerous for the children. That's what we expected," he said.

However, the East Jakarta Metro Police will still raid the sale of fireworks and firecrackers ahead of the New Year's Eve celebration.

The Police Chief detailed that fireworks that have a sales permit are allowed. "Fireworks with permits are allowed in certain sizes, especially imported ones. That is in accordance with our STR from the National Police Headquarters and from the Regional Police," he said.