Loosen PPKM In Java-Bali Island, Places Of Worship Open To Maximum 30 People

President Joko Widodo (Photo: Twitter @jokowi)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that places of worship can now be opened for worship. This was conveyed after a decrease in the level of implementation of the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in several areas on the island of Java-Bali.

This policy will take effect from Tuesday, August 24 to August 30.

"Places of worship are allowed to open for worship activities with a maximum capacity of 25 percent or a maximum of 30 people", Jokowi said in a press conference broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Monday, August 23.

The adjustment was made due to a decrease in COVID-19 cases by up to 78 percent which resulted in a decrease in the number of occupancy of beds in hospitals.

"Looking at the improvement in several indicators, the government will consider making gradual adjustments to some restrictions on community activities", said the former governor of DKI Jakarta.

In addition, Jokowi also relaxed several rules in the implementation of this level PPKM. Among them, related to eating on the spot or in a restaurant.

"Restaurants are allowed to eat on the spot with a maximum of 25 percent, 2 people per table and operational restrictions are until 20:00", he said.

Next, he also said that malls or shopping centers were allowed to open. However, managers still have to implement strict health protocols and operating hours will remain limited.

"Shopping centers and malls are allowed to open until 20:00 with a maximum of 50 percent of capacity with the implementation of the process which is further regulated by the regional government", said Jokowi.

Previously reported, President Jokowi extended PPKM in Java-Bali. However, the Jabodetabek agglomeration area and the number of regencies/cities have decreased from Level 4 to Level 3.

"The government has decided that starting from August 24 to August 30, 2021, some regions can be lowered from level 4 to level 3. Java and Bali islands, the agglomeration areas of Greater Jakarta, Greater Bandung, Greater Surabaya, and several other cities/district areas can already be at level 3 starting on August 24", Jokowi said.

According to Jokowi, there has been quite good progress in handling COVID-19 in Java and Bali regarding the PPKM level.

"There is quite good progress, level 4 from 67 regencies/cities has decreased to 51 regencies/cities. Level 3 from 59 regencies/cities to 67 regencies/cities. Level 2 from 2 regencies/cities to 10 regencies/cities", continued Jokowi.