In a statement released here on Saturday, chairman of HIPPI Jakarta, Sarman Simanjorang, said entrepreneurs have no choice but to support the policy.
HIPPI understands that the Jakarta provincial government has to extend the PSBB by another 14 days because, based on the monitoring and evaluation of the Jakarta Task Force for Acceleration of COVID-19 Response, the number of confirmed cases has remained worrying, although the curve has started to flatten, he remarked.
"For the business circle, there is no choice that we have to accept and implement the PSBB rules, even though it limits the space for our business operations," Simanjorang said.
The PSBB extension has burdened entrepreneurs owing to minimal transactions, fall in turnover of up to 80 percent, decrease in cash flow, and increase in operating costs, he noted.
"But this is a risk that we must face and share. Our hope is that this PSBB is the last one so that there is certainty for the business sector," he said.
The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has forced a number of MSMEs to close down, caused the poverty rate to increase, and created various social problems, he added.
But, he said, all of this can be overcome with a spirit of mutual cooperation and togetherness and increased awareness on implementing the health protocols.
"The sooner we are able to control and suppress the transmission of COVID-19, the faster our economy will recover," he said.
He urged the public to abide by the health protocols and asked the government to ensure strong legal enforcement and impose sanctions against violators of health protocols during the PSBB.
"There will be no more tolerance and dispensation, as the future of the economy and the safety of all are at stake," he said.
Hence, firm action against anyone who violates the health protocols is something that must be applied consistently, he urged.
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has extended the implementation of PSBB in the capital city till October 11, 2020.
"The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (has) also approved the automatic extension of the Jakarta PSBB for two weeks," Anies Baswedan said. (INE)
Related news: PSBB re-imposition to not majorly impact economy: Finance Ministry
Related news: Jakarta governor extends large-scale social restrictions till Oct 11
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Ricky Prayoga, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
