Jokowi Allows Take Off Masks Outdoors, Deputy Governor Of DKI: We Are Grateful

Jakarta Deputy Governor Ahmad Riza Patria (Photo: Diah Ayu Wardani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Ahmad Riza Patria welcomed President Joko Widodo's decision to allow the public to remove masks outside. Riza said this means that the condition of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia is getting better.

"What Mr. Jokowi has decided, we are happy, grateful, and support. It marks that in Jakarta, in Indonesia, we have started to improve regarding the COVID-19 problem," said Riza at DKI City Hall, Tuesday, 17 evening.

Riza said the DKI Provincial Government would follow up on the decision to relax the activity restrictions. Because, according to him, the mask-free policy outside has gone through careful consideration.

"We can quickly adjust following the policy. Of course, the policy went through a long process. If we compare it in several other countries, there have been many countries that were opened months ago," he said.

Previously, President Joko Widodo announced that currently the public is no longer required to wear masks when doing outdoor activities.

However, for activities in closed spaces and public transportation, the government still requires people to wear masks.

Then, for groups of people who are categorized as vulnerable to the elderly, or have comorbid diseases, Jokowi still advises them to continue to use masks when doing activities.

Likewise, people who experience symptoms of coughs and colds, they still have to wear masks when doing activities.