Jokowi: We Want Immediately Towards A New Normal Order

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo. (Photo: Setkab)

JAKARTA - The government seems to want people to immediately enter the new normal era. This is evidenced by the movement of President Joko Widodo to a number of places, one of which is the Summarecon Bekasi Mall.

After conducting observations at supermarket sales outlets, Jokowi emphasized that he wanted a new normal life in society to be fulfilled immediately. However, to achieve this, Jokowi is aware that the central and regional governments must reduce the reproduction rate (RO) to 1.

"We want to remain productive but safe with COVID, this is what we want. But in getting to that new order, we also look at figures and facts on the ground," Jokowi said during his visit to Summarecon Mall Bekasi, as shown on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube account, Tuesday, 26 May.

He then explained that currently RO in the Bekasi area was below the number 1. However, he hoped that West Java, especially in the Bekasi City area, the transmission rate could continue to be suppressed. Of course, this reduction in numbers can be done if there is discipline from the community.

Thus, the government will involve the TNI and Polri in monitoring health protocols when normal life begins.

"So the TNI and Polri will supervise surveillance in the field, ensure the implementation in the field of matters related to wearing masks, maintaining distance, and preventing people from crowding or crowding each other," he explained.

"We want to once again be able to enter into a new normal, enter a new order and we want to emerge a strong awareness, to emerge strong discipline so that the RO, we can continue to press below 1," added the former DKI Jakarta Governor

Shopping at the mall must wear gloves

After carrying out joint monitoring with President Jokowi, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil then explained the reasons why Summarecon Mall Bekasi could resume operations. He said, this mall is included in the urban village area in the green zone. So, based on existing regulations, this mall can operate as long as it continues to implement health protocols.

One of the health protocols referred to is that business premises such as malls and restaurants are obliged to limit visitors. In addition, visitors are also required to wear masks and gloves when they come to malls or shopping places.

"Why? People will touch them at the place of business, right? Buying shampoo doesn't work, put it back, other visitors come and hold it again. Later there is potential for transmission," said Ridwan.

He also emphasized that Bekasi has implemented this because it has been consulted. Meanwhile, other areas in the red and black zone are not allowed first. "So regarding the place of business, the protocol is roughly like that. So this is an adaptation of preparations. ... This is a simulation for the President if the mall is already open," he said.

The former Mayor of Bandung also reminded his citizens not to travel anywhere other than buying basic necessities or other important activities.

"Anyway, don't go anywhere. It's good. You can go to the mall. Go around everywhere later if you have to bother yourself, you can't take selfies, just long distances. His life is not normal," Ridwan said.

It was reported that before stopping at Summarecon Mall Bekasi, President Joko Widodo also visited the HI Roundabout MRT Station. His visit with TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and National Police Chief General Idham Azis was to check the readiness of the new normal procedure.

He then said that later there would be TNI Polri on guard in public places as a disciplinary measure for residents in the midst of a new normal life.