JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has imposed large-scale social restrictions in order to cushion the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The restrictions allow the government to prioritise treatment of Covid-19 patients, providing social safety net, and ensuring that businesses, especially MSMEs, can continue operating.
"In order to cushion the impact of the pandemic, I have decided in a cabinet meeting that our preferred option is large-scale social restrictions," said President Joko Widodo in a speech broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's official YouTube channel, Tuesday (31/3).
In accordance with the law, said Mr Widodo, the restrictions are imposed by Health Minister Dr Terawan Agus Putranto in coordination with Head of the Covid-19 Task Force Lieutenant General Doni Monardo and local governments, while Law No. 6/2018 on Health Quarantine serves as the legal basis.
In addition, the government has also issued Government Regulation on Large-Scale Social Restrictions and Presidential Decree on Public Health Emergency.
"With this regulation, everything will become clear. I ask that heads of local governments avoid making policies without coordinating [with the central government]. All regional policies must be made in accordance with the law and the aforementioned Government Regulation and Presidential Decree," said Mr Widodo.
Mr Widodo added that the National Police is authorised to carry out law enforcement measures in accordance with the law in order to impose the restrictions and prevent the virus from spreading.
"We need to learn from other countries but we can't simply imitate [their policies], because each country has its own characteristics such as area, population, disciplins, geographical condition, culture, economy, and fiscal ability among others. We cannot be reckless in determining our strategies. Everything must be calculated throughly. The core of our policy is very clear and firm," said Mr Widodo. (LK/MS)