Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo examined the readiness of public facilities at the Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Station, Central Jakarta, Tuesday morning, as people brace for a new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The head of state arrived at the station in a white long-sleeved shirt at around 8:45 a.m. local time. He was greeted by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Chief of the National Police General Idham Azis, Chief of the National Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahanto, and MRT President Director William Subandar.

Shortly after arriving at the Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle, the president and his entourage entered the station to inspect the readiness of its facilities to brace for a new normal.

During inspection of the mode of mass transportation, Widodo and his entourage ensured maintaining physical distancing and wearing masks in compliance with the health protocol.

While prepping for the switch to a new normal amid the ongoing pandemic, the government is drafting protocols for various activities to ensure that people stay safe and healthy, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, remarked recently.

"This will be discussed in detail, and the president will decide on it. We are currently studying the concept technically and comprehensively," Hartarto noted, adding that the new normal will demand stringent adherence to discipline on behalf of the public.

Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto spoke of having issued a guideline to adapt to a new normal amidst the lingering COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Bawesdan had earlier projected normalcy to be restored in Jakarta and local residents being able to resume activities after the third round of large-scale social distancing (PSBB) ends.

"If we all remain disciplined, Jakarta can return to a new normal. Many people usually call it a new normal to refer to a new situation instead of a pre-pandemic situation," he remarked at the Jakarta City Hall on May 20, 2020.

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Translator: Indra Arief Pribadi/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
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