Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Metropolitan Police has announced that large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) checkpoints will be functional for 24 hours until the enactment of the PSBB policy by the government.

"Large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) checkpoints run 24 hours," Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) Traffic Director Senior Commissioner Sambodo Purnomo Yogo stated when confirmed on Friday.

Yogo expounded that officers standing guard from morning to night work in shifts owing to the high number of road users during specific times.

Yogo affirmed that officers of one shift will be alerted at night. He pointed to less number of people on the streets at night during the imposition of PSBB.

"From morning until evening, officers operate in two shifts to always check the imposition of PSBB, but indeed, at night, it is very quiet," he pointed out.

To ensure optimal implementation of the PSBB policy aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus pandemic or COVID-19, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police has prepared a written warning for PSBB violators.

For first-time violators of PSBB, the officers will only give written warnings and be recorded, whereas stricter sanctions will be applied on those found violating for the second time.

Polda Metro Jaya assessed that the reprimand letter given by officers was effective in reducing the number of PSBB violations in the Jakarta area, Jakarta Metropolitan Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Yusri stated when contacted on Thursday.

Yusri believes that the level of public awareness in DKI Jakarta was increasing, and the people have realized that the PSBB policy was made in the best interests of all.

"The people have understood several provisions in this PSBB, including the use of masks as well as limiting the number of passengers. The community has understood everything," Yusri stated.

The provincial government of Jakarta had earlier banned people from engaging in celebration activities that draw congregations during the application of PSBB in Jakarta and its adjoining areas.

"Marriage is not prohibited but can take place at the religious affairs office (KUA), though the reception for it stands canceled. Similarly, it also applies to other celebratory activities, such as circumcision rituals, the celebration for which has been abolished," Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan stated at the City Hall, Jakarta, Tuesday.

Baswedan cautioned of strict sanctions being slapped on those found violating the provisions during the implementation of PSBB in Jakarta since Friday, (Apr 10).

"We will not allow activities to run if they raise the likelihood of transmission," he emphasized.

Furthermore, Baswedan ensured that information will be disseminated in advance to the public before the PSBB is effectively implemented.

To this end, he urged the people of Jakarta to partake in implementing regulations when the PSBB is applied to stem the spread of COVID-19.

"In principle, DKI Jakarta has implemented restrictions, right from working, studying, and worshipping at home to transportation restrictions. We have undertaken those efforts for three weeks," he remarked.

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Reporter: Fiand Sjofjan, Azis Kurmala
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