Luhut Explains The Government's Reason For Extending The Java-Bali PPKM Despite Decreasing Cases

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan (DOK VIA ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menkomarves) explained the government's reason for extending the implementation of PPKM Level 4 to Level 2 in Java and Bali from August 10 to August 16.

Luhut admitted that there had been a decline in COVID-19 cases in Java and Bali to 59.6 percent from the peak of cases that occurred on 15 July. However, the extension of the PPKM in Java-Bali still needs to be done to keep the decline in cases more sloping.

"This already good momentum must be maintained. For this reason, at the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, PPKM levels 4.3, and 2 in Java-Bali will be extended until August 16, 2021," Luhut said in a virtual press conference, Monday, 9. August.

In addition, the extension of the PPKM was carried out because there was still an increase in cases and an increase in the number of hospitalizations in two areas, namely the agglomeration area of Malang Raya and Bali.

"Therefore, the government will immediately intervene in these two areas to reduce the rate of addition of cases. Our team is now moving there and I myself will also go to visit these two areas," said Luhut.

In addition to the number of cases, the government also sees the rate of additional deaths in Java and Bali decreasing even though conditions can still be said to be fluctuating in each province.

In addition, the extension of the PPKM in Java-Bali was carried out because the government was aware of the increase in mobility as reflected in the increase in the composite index after July 26, towards the increase in confirmed cases in the future.

This increase in mobility can be seen from government monitoring that works together with Facebook, Google, and NASA.

"We will of course monitor this until next week, given the 14 to 21 day gap between changes in the composite index to additional cases," Luhut explained.

It is known, in the extension of the PPKM in Java-Bali, there were 26 cities or regencies that dropped from level 4 to level 3. This shift in the level of handling the pandemic was seen from the significant improvement in conditions in the field.

"Regarding this decision, it will be stated in the instructions of the Minister of Home Affairs in more detail," said Luhut.

Although the rules are the same as before, the extension of the PPKM in Java and Bali was carried out with a number of easing. First, the government allowed the opening of malls or shopping centers in four cities.

The government will conduct gradual trials for malls or shopping centers in areas with level 4 in the city of Jakarta, Bandung Surabaya, Semarang, with a capacity of 25 percent over the next week and with strict health protocols.

The government emphasized that only people who have been vaccinated can enter the mall and must use the PeduliLindung application. Then, children under 12 years old and over 70 years old will be prohibited from entering the mall temporarily.

In addition, the government is also preparing protocols for export-based essential industries so that starting the week it can be operated in cities that implement PPKM Level 4 with a capacity of 100 percent of staff and divided into at least two shifts.

Furthermore, the government has also allowed places of worship in areas that implement PPKM Level 4 with a maximum capacity of 25 percent or a maximum of 20 people.