Jakarta (ANTARA) - Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita has inspected industries in Tangerang, Banten Province, that carried out full operation trial during the reinforcement of public activity restrictions (PPKM) to ensure stringent implementation of health protocols.

"These last three days, we have started full operation trial with health protocols in some companies that belong to essential sector based on the rule of Operation Permit and Mobility of Industrial Activities (IOMKI)," Kartasasmita said in a statement here on Sunday.

The minister inspected the trial at PT Gajah Tunggal and PT Pan Brothers Tbk on Saturday (August 21).

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Under the Home Affairs Minister Instruction no. 34/2021 on the imposition of level 4, 3, and 2 of public activity restrictions in Java and Bali on August 17-23, 2021, full operation trial would be carried out in eligible companies while still complying with health protocols, with workers shared in at least two shifts.

The trial is crucial before the government decided to allow industries across the country to be fully operated.

Kartasasmita said the implementation of health protocols has become one major criteria in the trial.

"In addition, companies already obtaining IOMKI are required to submit regular reports on Tuesday and Friday. Companies in regions enforcing level 4 PPKM should have vaccinated their workers and used PeduliLindungi application as a screening method," he elaborated.

The result of the two-week trial would be used as a basis for the government to allow full operation for all essential industries, he added.

"But on condition that (the workers) are divided in two shifts and the PeduliLindungi app is applied," Kartasasmita noted.

Meanwhile the ministry's Director General of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Textile Industry Muhammad Khayam said tyre industry is one of leading industries that supports the national economy.

It absorbs more than 250 thousand tons of natural rubber per year or some 42 percent of Indonesia's natural rubber consumption.

"Some national brands can compete in international market and considered as global tyre manufacturer," Khayam said.

Related news: Govt has identified companies permitted for full operation trial

Translator: Risbiani F, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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