"Malls must close, and only essential ones, such as modern supermarkets and pharmacies, should be open," Grand Indonesia Corporate Communications Annisa Hazarini stated in Jakarta, Saturday.
Hazarini noted that only two supermarkets selling basic necessities are open with strict adherence to health protocols.
Furthermore, only few food and beverage outlets in the mall are open, though only accepting delivery services and not offering dine-in services.
Another mall, FX Sudirman, was also temporarily closed following government instructions.
The gate of the mall, located near the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) stadium, was closed to prevent an influx of visitors.
A similar sight was observed at Plaza Senayan that bore a desolate look amid the absence of visitors.
Only observed were security officers conducting surveillance and a few pedestrians crossing the sidewalk in front of the shopping center.
Another mall, Senayan City, also appeared deserted, as the emergency PPKM was implemented.
Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian had earlier officially issued the Instruction of Minister of Home Affairs Number 15 of 2021 on the implementation of Restrictions on Community Activities or the Emergency PPKM in Java and Bali.
Several community activities, particularly those related to mall and shopping center operations, are regulated in the latest instructions, among others, restaurants, including those inside malls, which can only serve food delivery and do not accept meals on the spot.
Shopping centers, malls, and trade centers are temporarily closed except for access to restaurants, shops, and modern supermarkets.
Supermarkets, traditional markets, grocery stores, and supermarkets selling daily necessities are limited to operating hours until 20:00 local time.
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Translator: Dewa Ketut, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Sri Haryati
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