Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – Jakarta's Municipal Police or Satpol PP conducted massive raids on Friday to prevent the opening of many night markets ahead of Idul Fitri.

Jakarta's Municipal Police head Arifin said he would mobilize all resources to enforce the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB).

"I received reports that those night markets are opening again. There will be large-scale operations in every area of the capital city," Arifin said on Friday.

"This is the first day of the third phase of PSBB [in Jakarta]. I want to send a message to everyone that the municipal police will continue to impose disciplinary measures against those who violate PSBB," he said.

According to the gubernatorial regulation PSBB, the night market could be forced to shut down for ignoring the physical distancing calls.

Meanwhile, visitors who violate the PSBB will be subject to a fine and community work.

The operations came upon reports that on Friday afternoon, Kebayoran Lama traditional market in South Jakarta was crowded with people who shop for groceries for Idul Fitri, which caused traffic congestion in the area.

More than 50 people, including sellers and buyers, were fined or put on community works for violating PSBB.

PSBB fines collected

The Municipal Police have collected a total of Rp 350 million ($23,000) in fines paid by PSBB violators, both individuals and business entities, and the money had been handed to the city's coffer, Arifin said.

"The total administrative fines from 362 people and businesses totaled around Rp 350 million, which had been deposited to the local treasury," Arifin said.

The municipal police also have handed written reprimands against 8,511 people who violated the ban on the gathering of more than five people in public and on the wearing of face mask.

A total of 1,718 people were ordered to do community works, such as cleaning public facilities in special orange vests.

Furthermore, the municipal police have forcibly as many as 452 small businesses.

"In this third phase of PSBB, we will enforce strict supervision," Arifin said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jakartas-municipal-police-raid-traditional-markets-ahead-of-idul-fitri