Difficulty Developing A COVID-19 Protocol For Music Concerts

Illustration (Photo: ActionVance on Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Head of the DKI Jakarta Tourism Office, Cucu Ahmad Kurnia, admits that it is difficult to formulate a health protocol for music concert performances during the new normal due to the corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak.

As for the transitional Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) period, there were still activities that were not allowed to operate, including concerts, festivals, discotheques, cinemas, karaoke places, massage parlors, gyms , and swimming pools.

"Now, events such as music concerts have not been allowed because the COVID protocol has not been met. We allow the COVID protocol to be found, if the permit is also involved, such as Polda," said Cucu at the DPRD DKI Building, Central Jakarta, Wednesday, 17 June.

In fact, the government could allow music concerts to be held again. However, Cucu admitted that his party must pay attention to the economic impact of the organizers of these activities.

In holding a concert, the organizer must take into account the pros and cons of the event being made. They cost more to provide facilities and pay for workers' services.

"Put it, we enforce social distancing with (restriction, red ) a capacity of 30 percent of normal capacity. But, surely the organizers will eventually come up short," said Cucu.

"They thought, why are they doing a concert with a capacity of 1000, only 300 are present, it doesn't close the capital. There must be an agreement on the economic calculation which we return to our fellow actors (business, ed )," he added.

Regarding the opening time of the entertainment venue, Cucu admitted that he could not disclose it to the public. Because it is the full authority of the DKI Jakarta Province COVID-19 Handling Acceleration Task Force.

After all, said Cucu, the plan to open entertainment venues during normal times is only in the last phase. They prioritize the opening of places related to people's basic needs, such as shopping centers.

"If you estimate, I can't confirm it, because the COVID-19 Task Force team that has the authority to determine an activity is safe or no longer operates," he concluded.