The Indonesian Government has extended the operating hours of malls, restaurants, and cafes to 10 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) in regions implementing Level 2 community activity restrictions (PPKM).
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment and Coordinator for the Enforcement of PPKM in Java and Bali Regions Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan made the announcement at a virtual press conference on the limited meeting of PPKM evaluation on Monday.
Regarding the extended operating hours, the government appealed to the Regional Leadership Communication Forums (Forkopimda) as well as mall and restaurant managers to remain disciplined in enforcing the use of the PeduliLindungi health screening application, especially around iftar time when public places become more crowded.
The coordinating minister said that the use of the application and the administration of vaccinations are still the primary means to suppress any surge in COVID-19 cases in the midst of rapid economic recovery and mobility.
Based on the number of additional confirmed cases, hospitalized patients, and mortality, currently, Java and Bali regions are experiencing a very significant decline in COVID-19 cases, he added.
“The decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in all provinces in Java and Bali regions has reached 96 to 98 percent compared to the number of cases at the peak period of Omicron cases some time ago,” he stated.
The control of Omicron spread has resulted in a well-maintained economic recovery. Indonesia’s economy has been able to rise quickly and shown a very positive trend since the end of February.
This can be seen from the expenditure index, which has increased in all regions, as assessed by the Mandiri Institute.
Since the pandemic has become more controlled, the government has prepared a road map to support the transition from the pandemic to the endemic phase, Government Spokesperson for COVID-19 Handling Reisa Broto Asmoro said earlier.
Source: Antara News