PPKM Java-Bali Extended Today, Will It Be Tightened?

Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The government will announce the extension of the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM) on the island of Java-Bali today.

In the extension of the Java-Bali PPKM in the last two weeks, from October 19 to November 1, there were 64 districts/cities implementing PPKM Level 3, 55 regions at PPKM Level 2, and 9 regions at PPKM Level 1.

Two weeks ago, COVID-19 cases were kept under control at a low level. Confirmed cases in Indonesia and Java and Bali have each fallen by 99 percent from their peak on July 15.

But a week later, on October 25, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said there were 105 districts/cities that were experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases, which would allow for a tightening of mobility in the next PPKM extension.

"There is an increase in cases in 105 cities and regencies throughout Indonesia, although this is still well-controlled," said Luhut in a virtual press conference, Monday, October 25.

Therefore, said Luhut, President Joko Widodo reminded ministers to continue to be aware of the increase in cases in the area in question, in order to prevent the emergence of the third wave of COVID-19.

One of the efforts that will be made is tightening a number of activities. This tightening will be carried out in the extension of the PPKM next week.

"We see that there are still indications of ups and downs. Of course, we need to be careful. So we will take many steps later, sometimes they may be considered too strict, but we have no choice," said Luhut.

Jokowi, Luhut said, also reminded his assistants to look at the pandemic conditions in these cities and regencies in more detail and immediately dispatch a team in the field to immediately intervene in the area.