Gibran Wants The Economy To Improve After PPKM Is Relaxed

Solo Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka (DOK Surakarta City Government)

SOLO - Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka wants the economic sector to start immediately after the easing of the Level 4 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) implementation.

"Now there have been a number of PKL (street vendors) businesses that have opened, markets that were previously closed have started their activities," Gibran said in Solo, Central Java, Wednesday.

He hopes that traders and buyers will continue to apply health protocols.

"Don't let the easing of the SE (circular on PPKM) actually have an impact on the increase in COVID-19 cases in Solo," he continued.

Mentioned about the reduced Regional Original Income (PAD) from traditional market levy contributions during July, he said, it was a risk of tightening regulations to suppress the rate of COVID-19 cases.

"Well, what can we do, it's a pandemic. What is clear is that until the end of the year we will focus on handling COVID-19. In fact, this budget (for handling COVID-19) has been increased to Rp.

Meanwhile, he admitted, the tightening of regulations during the emergency PPKM some time ago had an impact on the cessation of a number of economic activities in several places in Solo City.

"Therefore, we are loosening this so that the economy can start immediately," said Gibran.

Previously, the Head of the Surakarta City Trade Office, Heru Sunardi, said that during July the Surakarta City Government decided to waive levies on traders affected by PPKM. As a result, the potential decrease in local revenue (PAD) from market retribution reaches around Rp. 2 billion.

"We are targeting Rp27 billion a year (from market levies), if it is reduced by Rp2 billion, how much will that be. Not only retribution but also MCK cooperation (bathing, washing, toilet) also asking for release. In addition, advertising points are also quiet, " he said.