PPKM Level 4 Extended, Jokowi Allows Markets To Open As Usual

JAKARTA - The decision of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to extend the implementation of the Level 4 Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) until August 2 will be accompanied by a policy of opening traditional markets as usual.

However, the Head of State still emphasized that this easing was accompanied by several rules that must be adhered to.

"People's markets that sell daily necessities are allowed to open as usual with strict procedures (health protocols), and people's markets besides selling daily basic needs can be open with a maximum capacity of 50 percent until 15:00", he said in a virtual press conference, Sunday, July 25.

According to the President, several other provisions governing the procedures for such commercial activities will be issued by government agencies at the regional level.

"Further arrangements will be made by the regional government (local government)", he said.

Meanwhile, the decision to open a people's trading center is based on the government's claim that the rate of transmission of COVID-19 is under control.

"We know that currently there has been an improvement trend in controlling COVID-19, the BOR (bed occupancy rate), and the positivity rate is starting to show a decline, as has happened in several provinces in the Java region", he said.

In addition to opening the market, the government also allows culinary businesses or restaurants to serve buyers eating on the spot, even with several strict rules.

To note, the President's statement today is a follow-up to the extension of the Emergency PPKM last week, to be exact, July 20, 2021.