"We are still waiting for the circular from the Home Affairs Ministry, including observing the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Affairs' statement regarding the implementation of PPKM Level 3 during the holidays," Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo said here on Friday.
He then urged priests to hold the Christmas mass in a hybrid format, with a limited number of people attending church and others following the mass from their respective homes.
The governor also asked the public not to take leave during the Christmas and New Year holidays, adding the civil apparatus (ASN) in the Central Java government have been prohibited from returning to their home regions.
"There is no collective leave, just two days off based on the calendar. We must reduce mobility and all ASN are prohibited for homecoming," Pranowo said.
Regarding the possibility of blocking traffic flow in Central Java, Pranowo said that he has not implemented such a policy.
"We will limit tourism activity if PPKM Level 3 is implemented later. The regulation will be stricter than our current condition nowadays," Pranowo remarked.
Earlier, the central government had unveiled plans to implement PPKM Level 3 in all regions in Indonesia during the Christmas and year-end holidays to reduce high mobility and limit coronavirus transmission.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Affairs, Muhadjir Effendy, said PPKM Level 3 will be implemented from December 24, 2021 to January 2, 2022.
People will be prohibited from holding or participating in New Year celebrations namely fireworks, parades, and other activities that cause large crowds, he said.
In addition, people will be prohibited from going home for non-primary purposes and traveling during the year-end holidays, he added.
A number of public facilities will also be asked to close and the rules for using public transportation will be tightened, he said.
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Translator: Wisnu Adhi N, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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