Depok to Propose Local Lockdown to West Java Government

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Depok City administration has learned the possibility to impose regional quarantine and submit the proposal to the West Java Provincial administration, as the number of the COVID-19 infection cases has continued to increase in the city.

"We are still studying the option and will convey the result to the West Java Governor as a representative of the central government," Depok Mayor Mohammad Idris said in a statement on Sunday.

The authority to declare regional or partial quarantine is in the hand of the central government according to the law no. 6/2018 on health quarantine.

According to Idris, with the current massive spread of the novel coronavirus in Depok City, regional quarantine should have been imposed in Greater Jakarta that include Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi.

Idris said, his administration has worked closely with the central and provincial governments to handle the coronavirus spreading in the city, and tackle COVID-19 cases in accordance to the health protocol.

"We have conducted intensive monitoring for people under  close monitoring (ODP), patient under surveillance (PDP) and those tested positive who conducted self-isolation, disinfectant spraying, massive socialization, motivate volunteers," he said.

The authority has prepared the University of Indonesia Hospital (RSUI) to treat patients with COVID-19. "We also planned to establish a Field Hospital within the area of the local hospital."

Idris said, some Depok residents are still under medical treatment at the Wisma Atlet emergency hospital.

Earlier on Friday (March 27), the Coordinating Minister of Legal, Political, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that the government is currently drafting a government regulation (PP) on regional quarantine in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mahfud said that regional isolation must be regulated through PP in accordance with Article 10 of Law No. 6/2018 concerning Health Quarantine, adding that the regulation will be completed as soon as possible given the developing situation.

ANTARA