We decided that this limitation on the movement of people is in place on January 11-25, and we will continue to evaluate the measures taken
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government decided to impose restrictions on the movement of people on January 11-25, especially in Java and Bali, to counter an exponential rise in the number of new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection.

"We decided that this limitation on the movement of people is in place on January 11-25, and we will continue to evaluate the measures taken," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated here on Wednesday.

Hartarto delivered the statement after participating in a limited governmental meeting on "Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccination Implementation Plan" through videoconferencing led by President Joko Widodo at the State Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday.

While restricting the movement of people, the government will closely monitor the implementation of three main public health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands.

Furthermore, daily operations to monitor the implementation of health protocols at public places will also be conducted by involving personnel of the civil service police unit (Satpol PP), police officers, and TNI personnel.

"Once again, this measure is implemented in accordance with the mandate of Government Regulation No. 21 of 2020 (concerning large-scale social restrictions) in which we already have some clear-cut mechanism, including those rules and advice issued by regional governments as well as the minister of health and the minister of home affairs," Hartarto remarked.

Hence, on January 11-25, close monitoring will be conducted on public mobility on the islands of Java and Bali.

Concurrently, Hartarto affirmed that the government was expected to ready a vaccination program to increase public trust.

"By tightening these (movement) restrictions and not prohibiting them, all essential activities can still be conducted with strict health protocols in place," he added.

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Translator: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Sri Haryati
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