Alya Nurbaiti and Adrian Wail Akhlas, Jakarta – Several ministers in President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's Cabinet have expressed their concern over Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan's decision to reimpose large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in the capital and their possible impact on economic recovery.
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang said he was worried about the PSBB policy and its effects on the improving trend of industrial performance, with the manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 50.8 points in August, or just above the 50 mark, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
"A strict PSBB in Jakarta will affect the performance of the manufacturing industry in Indonesia, especially if other provinces follow [Jakarta]," Gumiwang said during a meeting with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) on Thursday.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mahendra Siregar, who also attended the meeting, held a similar view. He said industrial sectors that could enforce health protocols should be allowed to remain operating during the PSBB.
Meanwhile, Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto warned about the risks of disruptions in the distribution channel if PSBB measures were reimposed, such as the distribution of logistics that were essential for businesses.
"Fifty percent of our gross domestic product [GDP] is consumption. If the distribution does not run well, it will disrupt the Indonesian GDP," Suparmanto said.
The disagreement about the PSBB policy among ministers contradicts what Jokowi had said during a plenary Cabinet meeting on Monday about health as the key to restoring the economy.
"Good health makes a good economy. This means that our number one focus is health," Jokowi said.
Jakarta will be placed under PSBB status again on Monday after restrictions were eased for a few months. The decision to reimpose the policy comes amid the ever-climbing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as bed occupancy rates in hospitals that have exceeded the limit.