"The decision on whether or not to extend the PSBB is neither determined by the government nor the experts, but the public’s behavior in regions imposing PSBB. If the public can adhere (to the health protocol), the PSBB can be lifted. If not, then we
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan reiterated that public adherence to the health protocol under the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) would be paramount for the capital city in transitioning to the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The decision on whether or not to extend the PSBB is neither determined by the government nor the experts, but the public’s behavior in regions imposing PSBB. If the public can adhere (to the health protocol), the PSBB can be lifted. If not, then we have to extend it," Baswedan remarked after accompanying President Joko Widodo to inspect the implementation of the health protocol at the MRT station at the Hotel Indonesia Traffic Circle here on Tuesday.

The governor was optimistic that the third phase of PSBB would be the last one if the public were to follow the government's call to stay at home until June 4 to help curb COVID-19 transmission.

"Hopes ride high on June 4 being the end of the PSBB. We can thereafter start transitioning to a new normal. We will announce the protocol in each sector, including that for activities in the economic, worship, social, and cultural areas. Hence, we can migrate to our new normal while preventing the transmission of COVID-19," Baswedan remarked.

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.

During his visit to the MRT station, the president was accompanied by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, Indonesian Police Chief Gen. Idham Azis, Chief of the Indonesian Military Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto, and President Director of MRT William Subandar.

Tjahjanto noted that the TNI and police had readied its personnel to uphold the PSBB regulation.

"The disciplinary measures to ensure public adherence to the health protocol will be focused in crowded places, including malls, traditional markets, and tourist destinations. Disciplinary measures will be applied at 1,800 targeted locations. In its first stage, we will implement it simultaneously in the four provinces of Jakarta, West Java, West Sumatra, and Gorontalo," Tjahjanto noted. Related news: Jakarta's COVID-19 curve has begun flattening: Task Force Chief
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Translator: Livia Kristianti, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
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