" It is better to stay at home during New Year’s Eve to contemplate and be grateful for God's blessings and welcome 2022 with new optimism," Kamil noted in a written statement on Wednesday.
Kamil highlighted that the Central Government's plan to cancel the imposition of Level 3 of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in all regions did not translate to reduced vigilance there and that strict curbs will continue to be applied in various places.
Earlier, the central government, through Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, stated that PPKM level 3 across Indonesia was called off from December 24, 2021, to January 2, 2022.
"Even without PPKM Level 3 in all regions during the year-end holidays, it does not reduce the plan to tighten curbs for reducing the likely of COVID-19 transmission," he stated at a coordination meeting with the Policy Committee for COVID-19 Handling and Regional Economic Recovery in West Java Province.
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Kamil and West Java Police Chief Inspector General Suntana remain committed to tightening surveillance to ensure that the Christmas and New Year celebrations remain safe.
"We prohibit the celebration of New Year's Eve at hotels, public spaces, and outdoor buildings. Convoys are also prohibited and the West Java police personnel are ready to secure the places by applying this policy," he stated.
The governor also urged the police and Indonesian Military (TNI) to conduct patrols in traffic lanes that are often crowded with tourists and also tourism destinations.
Inspector General Suntana also noted that the tightening of curbs in several areas, commonly called as check points, will be applied at various points.
"We continue to conduct blocking activities or check points to limit crowds in one place," he stated.
Suntana noted that the blockade would apply at the gates of the Cileunyi and Cikampek toll roads as well as other roads. Six locations will serve as check points.
Although PPKM Level 3 was called off, Suntana reminded people, especially those in West Java, to stay at home during New Year's Eve. Suntana also spoke of his administration not giving permission for convoy activities.
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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
