Lenny Tristia Tambun, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo held a video conference with governors of all Indonesian provinces on Wednesday to order renewed measures in curbing the spread of coronavirus in response to record-high cases a day earlier.
He warned them they could be ordered to return to lockdown if a new wave of infections occurred in their regions.
Indonesia reported 1,043 confirmed cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, the highest rise in a day since the first cases were detected in the country in early March. It was also the first time daily cases hit the 1,000 mark.
The president said all governors must ensure strict implementation of the health protocol and the key formula to contain the outbreak – wearing of face mask, hand hygiene, physical distancing and staying away from crowds of people.
He added security personnel will continue to be involved in enforcing the health protocol.
"I have ordered the Indonesian Military commander and the National Police chief to deploy their personnel in crowded areas to urge citizens to obey the health protocol," the president said at the National Covid-19 Task Force headquarters in East Jakarta.
He said all governors must first consult with the task force before deciding to lift restrictions or reopen public facilities.
"You must look at the data and examine trends and facts – all are available here at the task force," Jokowi said.
"Every region must be ready for mass testing, aggressive contact tracing. Their health facilities should be on standby," he added.
The president said reopening of public facilities must be carried out in stages and after carefully considering which sector can reopen first.
Jokowi said agriculture, livestock, plantation, fishery, manufacture, transportation and mining businesses can be considered for phased reopening because they have a massive economic impact on the people.
"All elements of the community must get involved to resolve this major problem," Jokowi said.
He said provinces that have seen a pandemic peak must not let their guard down because coronavirus cases continue to surge nationwide.
If a new wave of transmission is detected, the central government can force them to reintroduce social restrictions or partial lockdown, Jokowi said.