The COVID-19 pandemic was officially declared to have
transmitted in Indonesia on March 2, 2020, with the first two positive
cases. But did you know that the Government of Jakarta has implemented
anticipatory measures on the coronavirus outbreak since January 2020?
Yes, here, you can see a comprehensive timeline of the government's
response from the beginning of the year to this day. The good news is
you can also find the timeline here on corona.jakarta.go.id/en/kebijakan complete with legal basis and supporting data from each policy.
22-24 January
Jakarta Department of Health and Ministry of Health of Republic of Indonesia Cooperate to Increase Alertness to Coronavirus
The Health Department of Jakarta is raising awareness of
the emergence of the new coronavirus (nCov) 2019 virus and strengthening
cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.
The cooperation includes placing a thermal scanner at national entrances
such as airports and ports and providing standardized Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical workers.
28 February
Governor Anies Baswedan Asks All Provincial Government Officers to Increase Risk Awareness of Coronavirus Transmission
The Governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, instructed the
entire ranks of the Provincial Government to start taking steps to
prevent the transmission of coronavirus infection which has now been
officially named as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The
instructions given are also listed in Governor's Instruction No. 16 of
2020.
March 2
Government of Jakarta Formed COVID-19 Response Team
To improve monitoring and supervision, Governor Anies
Baswedan formed Jakarta's COVID-19 Response Team based at the Health
Office in Central Jakarta. On the same occasion, Anies also committed to
the openness of the government in every step to prevent corona
outbreaks.
"The Government of Jakarta will always provide updates in a
transparent manner, as it is, to also give confidence to the public
that the Government of Jakarta is doing everything we can to protect its
citizens," Anies said.
Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko
Widodo, announced the first two domestic cases of COVID-19 in the
country. The two patients, a mother, and her daughter have a history of
contact with foreigners from Japan who were confirmed positive for
corona earlier.
March 3
Re-evaluation of Crowd Permits
Photo: Beritajakarta.id
With the risk of coronavirus transmission that can occur in
a crowd, the Government of Jakarta has stopped issuing crowd gathering
permits in the capital. The provincial government is also reviewing
permits that have already been issued.
March 6
corona.jakarta.go.id Website Goes Live
Responding to requests from the public for up-to-date and
reliable information about the development of the COVID-19 case in
Jakarta, the Provincial Government together with the COVID-19 Response
Team launched its official channel in the form of the microsite at corona.jakarta.go.id.
[A Closer Look at Features on corona.jakarta.go.id]
"On this channel, the public can access Governor
Instruction documents, official press releases, and infographics that
contain information related to Provincial Government services. And
complete information has been provided on COVID-19 including information
regarding People Under Monitoring, as well as Provincial Government's
actions and services related to COVID-19 Response," said the Head of the
Jakarta Department of Communication, Information, and Statistics, Atika
Nur Rahmania.
March 11
Postponement of Car-Free Day
Photo: Beritajakarta.id
Before living in the midst of a corona pandemic, a car-free
day (HBKB) has become one of the most anticipated Sunday activities for
many Jakarta families. However, to reduce the potential of physical
contact in public spaces and to prevent transmission, the provincial
government has decided to indefinitely postpone car-free day since
mid-March 2020.
March 14
Closing School to Curb Transmission Through Children
In an effort to prevent the spread of outbreaks through
children who have the potential to become carriers of the virus,
Governor Anies Baswedan decided to transfer teaching and learning
activities from school to home. The Jakarta Department of Education
(Disdik) also released Letter No. 32 of 2020 concerning Home Learning
during COVID-19.
March 15
Modification of Jakarta Public Transportation Services
Jakarta as the economic center of Indonesia attracts large
numbers of workers from satellite cities. Therefore, to prevent
transmission in tight public spaces such as the inside of buses and
trains, the Government of Jakarta has modified its public transportation
services, including MRT, LRT, and Transjakarta. Changes include
limiting routes as well as passenger capacity to enable the application
of social distancing rules.
March 19
Temporary Restriction of Religious Activities in Worship Places
Photo: allindonesiatourism.com
Another step taken by the Provincial Government to prevent
crowds during a pandemic is to temporarily restrict religious activities
in worship places. Including Friday prayers at the mosque, church mass
on Sundays, and Nyepi activities.
March 20
Termination of Office and Tourism Industry Activities
Governor Anies Baswedan issued Governor Call No. 6 of 2020
concerning the temporary suspension of office activities following the
widespread of the corona outbreak in Jakarta. Meanwhile, several
entertainment and tourist places that are usually were also closed as
anticipatory measures.
April 9
First Period of Large-Scale Social Restriction (PSBB)
Under the legal protection of Governor Regulation No. 33 of
2020, Governor Anies Baswedan imposed a Large-Scale Social Restriction
(PSBB) in Jakarta for the first time. During the PSBB period, people
were again advised not to travel outside the home except for essential
and medical needs. The government also provides exceptions to 11 sectors
that are allowed to continue operating, including health,
communication, and finance.
[Important Things to Know During PSBB Period in Jakarta]
April 16
Governor's Decree Regarding Social Aid During PSBB
Photo: Beritajakarta.id
On April 16, 2020, Governor Anies Baswedan issued Governor
Decree No. 386 of 2020 concerning the distribution of social aid to
1,194,633 households who had difficulty meeting basic needs during the
PSBB period.
30 April
Government of Jakarta Launches Large-Scale Social Collaboration (KSBB)
During the holy month of Ramadan, the Government of Jakarta
officially launches the Large-scale Social Collaboration (KSBB) program
as a medium for residents to help others. In the KSBB, the government
only acts as a liaison for people who want to give aid to vulnerable
citizens affected by the coronavirus outbreak and certain other
locations.
5 May
Government Collaborates with Citizens Through the JDCN
The spirit of cooperation which has become the culture of
the people of Jakarta was revived when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the
capital. The government also invites the participation of citizens
through the Corona Response Collaboration program managed by the JDCN
network. Here, residents can contribute as volunteers or provide the
equipment needed by medical personnel to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
May 17
Instruction for Citizens to Not 'Mudik'
As a continued effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19
transmission, the provincial government has again issued a
recommendation and policy designed to limit the movement of residents
outside the home during Eid al-Fitr festivities. In addition to that,
the government also started to regulate entrance-exit permits (SIKM) for
residents outside the Greater Jakarta area.
May 19
Guide for Eid al-Fitr Prayer at Home during COVID-19
To prevent the emergence of new cases during the Lebaran
holiday, the Government of Jakarta also recommended Muslims in the
capital to not hold Eid al-Fitr Prayer in a congregation in mosques or
fields. The Indonesian Ulema Council has also allowed Eid prayers at
home through the issuance of fatwas and guidance on Eid prayers in the
middle of a pandemic.
The direction of the future development is inseparable from
the responsibilities of all people in Jakarta. So, stay vigilant and
don't let our guard down so that the rate of spread of COVID-19 can
continue to be suppressed!