DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has arranged 3 (three) countermeasures to anticipate the spread of COVID-19 and as a protection for the citizens during this pandemic. The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, explained that the 3 countermeasures includes; mandatory face masks, restriction to enter Jakarta area and social assistance distribution.

First, regarding the mandatory face mask rule, Governor Anies has reported that 20 million face masks has been distributed to every citizen in Jakarta. Every person will receive 2 (two) pieces of face masks. “It is mandatory to wear them. It is one of the most effective equipment in preventing transmission, especially for the undetected carriers of COVID-19 or the Asymptomatic Carrier (OTG), even those who have not yet contracted COVID-19 or completely healthy are also obliged to wear them,” declared Governor Anies at Jakarta City Hall on Friday evening (1/5).

Second, regarding the citizens movement. DKI Jakarta Provincial Government is currently drafting regulations to restrict people to come to Jakarta area after The Holiday or Idul Fitri. Therefore, as decreed by the President the citizens will be advised to refrain from leaving their homes or visiting their hometowns due to the strict restriction to return and entering the Jakarta area.

“Hence, I would like to ask all of you to adhere to the regulation. Because if you insist to return to your hometown, we cannot guarantee that you can return to Jakarta easily. We are currently drafting regulation and there will be a rigorous restriction before re-entering Jakarta. I would like to point out, please refrain from leaving Jakarta, including the Jakarta Greater Area (Jabodetabek)”, he emphasized.

Third, regarding social assistance (bansos) that has completed the first phase of distribution by the Ministry of Social Affairs in the DKI Jakarta area. Meanwhile, the second phase of social assistance distribution will be conducted by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government which will aid more people and will be conducted within a week, 10 days before Idul Fitri. Governor Anies stated that around 98,4 % has been distributed to the intended household. However, there was some deviation during the first phase where 1,6 % did not reach its intended target.

“98,4 % was distributed to the intended household. We have to be grateful because it is not as simple. The 1,6 % data will be used for our further study. The number will increase because we are compiling segments that were not included in the poor household but certainly needed. The number will abruptly shoot up, with more than 1,2 million citizens are now included,” he stated.

Hopefully, the social assistance could help the citizens during the Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB) and get through COVID-19. Citizens are advised to properly adhere to regulation while PSBB is enforced. This should be done for the sake of everyone in Jakarta.

“We hope that every household are seriously adhering to regulation until the PSBB is lifted. The more persistent we are, the quicker this goes away. If we don’t, it will be here for a lot longer. Enduring is definitely not easy but if we failed to withstand it, the fallout will be soaring. God willing, if you lose your livelihood, social assistance is available for you. But if you’re sick or succumb (due to COVID-19) it would be irreplaceable. We must be aware of how crucial it is to get through these hard times,” the Governor concluded.