I instruct (my staff) to set aside at least Rp1 trillion. The amount may increase while we are monitoring its impact. May the public be able to withstand the impact. Otherwise, the state will be present to help them.
Semarang, C Java (ANTARA) - The Central Java provincial government allotted Rp1 trillion in budget funding as a precautionary measure to handle the impact of restrictions on the movement of people (PPKM) aimed at reducing the number of COVID-19 cases.

"I instruct (my staff) to set aside at least Rp1 trillion. The amount may increase while we are monitoring its impact. May the public be able to withstand the impact. Otherwise, the state will be present to help them," Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo stated here on Thursday.

The governor spoke of having constantly coordinated with the central government to lay a legal basis for allotment of the budget fund.

"We have stayed in contact with the central (government) to provide a legal umbrella as to whether we need to refocus (on the endeavor). However, while awaiting the rule, I have prepared (the program). Thus, soon after the rule is issued, it can be executed," he stated.

Several budget items can be adjusted to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, he remarked.

The Indonesian government has decided to extend restrictions on the movement of people in Java and Bali for another fortnight, from January 26 to February 8.

The government arrived at the decision during a limited meeting at the Presidential Palace on Thursday after evaluating the first phase of such restrictions that took effect on January 11-25.

"Based on the evaluation, President (Joko Widodo) ordered the extension of restriction on the movement of people (for another two weeks) from January 26 to February 8," Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto noted during a virtual press conference here on Thursday.

To this end, the home affairs minister will issue an instruction to governors in Java and Bali that are expected to evaluate the restrictions on the basis of specified parameters to decide whether they are still necessary in their respective provinces, Hartarto explained.

The government has imposed 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 the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection.
Related news: Government to extend restrictions on people's movement until Feb 8

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Translator: Wisnu Adhi N/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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