By: Ismail ) *
The government has again extended the implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM). The extension was also accompanied by a number of relaxations but still under strict supervision.
Although several regions have shown a decline in Covid-19 cases, the Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) has been extended to the Java-Bali region. Meanwhile, for areas outside Java – Bali, the government will set PPKM levels 4.3 and 2 which are valid for two weeks, namely August 10-23 2021.
The extension of the PPKM policy is of course not without reason, the policy was taken with the aim of controlling the spread of Covid-19. Considering the geographical conditions outside Java-Bali, which are purely islands and have large areas. The extension of the PPKM outside Java-Bali cannot be separated from the increase in active Covid-19, death rates, number of testing and population.
In his official statement, the Minister of Communication and Information, Johnny G. Plate, said that the decision to continue PPKM was based on an evaluation of the results of the previous PPKM implementation, as well as the situation on the ground. The President also called for a quick response to the surge in COVID-19 cases outside Java-Bali, which demands vigilance.
Johnny said the contribution of active Covid-19 cases outside Java-Bali was around 46.5% of the total national active cases. Meanwhile, the Java-Bali region contributed 53.5% of the total active cases. There are 45 districts/cities in 18 provinces with the highest risk of COVID-19 implementing PPKM level 4. Then, PPKM level 3 applies to 302 districts/cities and PPKM level 2 applies to 39 districts/cities.
Johnny said the government was continuing to try to control the pandemic in Indonesia. The handling of areas outside Java-Bali certainly has a greater level of difficulty. Given, the area and completeness of infrastructure are different from Java-Bali. Then, PPKM level 3 applies to 302 regencies/cities and PPKM level 2 applies to 39 regencies/cities.
The government continues to exert its efforts in controlling the pandemic in Indonesia. Handling outside Java-Bali region certainly has t i incidence of greater difficulty. Given, the area and completeness of infrastructure are different from Java-Bali.
Johnny added that the synergy of various parties must be strengthened. Including the role of the community in relation to the discipline of health protocols. Likewise, the expansion of vaccination coverage, as well as the increase in 3T which is the main pillar of controlling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Director of Traffic of the Polda Metro Jaya, Sr. Comr. Sambodo Purnomo Yogo, removed 100 emergency PPKM blocking points in Jakarta. Instead, there will be strict supervision of 20 roads in Jakarta during the extension of PPKM level 4.
Supervision of the 20 road sections that will replace the blockade is carried out with a patrol system so that they can still control the mobility of residents. It is recorded that there are 20 areas that are controlled for 24 hours with patrols.
He said, if there was a crowd, or a violation of health protocols, then his party would woro-woro. Not only will they give verbal warnings, they will also give administrative sanctions if the prokes violation is quite severe. In addition, Sambodo emphasized that his party will also monitor other road sections to avoid violations of health protocols.
Previously, DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan revealed that the implementation of PPKM was effective in controlling Covid-19 in the capital city. He said, although active cases were decreasing, the Covid-19 pandemic was still not over because there were still 3,000 new cases per day. Currently, the positivity rate in Jakarta is at the level of 15% and bed occupancy is 70%.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health noted that the occupancy rate of hospitals in Jakarta for Covid-19 treatment has now decreased to 65%. The highest hospital occupancy rates are Central Jakarta 81%, West Jakarta 77%, South Jakarta 76%, East Jakarta 66%, North Jakarta 54% and the Thousand Islands 33%.
Of course, this policy needs to be obeyed, because after all, compliance with government policies is the best solution in a pandemic. The extension of the PPKM is also one of the policies to reduce the spread of the delta variant virus which had caused health facilities to collapse due to the large number of patients.
The extension of the PPKM must also be supported by public compliance with the health program and vaccination program, because these two elements will accelerate herd immunity.
We certainly hope that the extension of the PPKM will always have a good impact in accelerating the prevention of the pandemic, so that the people’s economy can return to life and community activities can return to normal.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students
