Jakarta (ANTARA) - Every region should have measurable targets in implementing large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), according to Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
President Widodo delivered the statement at a limited meeting to discuss the report of the Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling held through a videoconference from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Monday.
"Every region applying PSBB must set a measurable target. There is a target. For instance, how many sample tests and PCR tests have been conducted, whether aggressive tracking was conducted, and how many have been traced every day. Those efforts must be undertaken," President Widodo remarked.
The president noted that until now, four provinces and 22 districts and cities had applied the PSBB.
The head of state is also keen to ensure that strict isolation of COVID-19 sufferers is done in the regions applying the health quarantine.
"Yesterday, I saw that COVID-19 positive patients were still able to run away from the hospital. Patients under surveillance (PDP) continued to conduct activities," the president pointed out.
The head of state is also keen to ascertain whether at-risk citizens, especially elderly people, with a history of illness, have essentially been protected, particularly in areas that apply the PSBB.
"Measured evaluations should be conducted," he expounded.
President Widodo had earlier called on all governors to draft programs in support of the stimulus packages issued by the central government in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I urge the governor of each province to draft the same program to add, strengthen, and expand the stimulus program prepared by the central government," he remarked.
Every province should implement the stimulus packages by adopting a clear, transparent, and measurable scheme, especially related to any sector and stimulus, as well as the extent to which the workforce can be rescued, he remarked.
"Everything must be calculated. Do not allow (a company) to receive stimulus while simultaneously laying off its workers," he stressed.
The head of state also urged the governors to verify and evaluate the companies receiving the stimulus to ensure it really has an impact on millions of workers relying on the real sector.
He remarked that Indonesia had currently come under extraordinary pressure. Hence, strong synergy, in the form of cooperation between the central government and regional administrations, including provincial, district, municipal, and village administrations, is deemed necessary to realize one vision, one direction, and one solid policy.
"If we find a problem on the field, we will soon solve it together. Under such current circumstances, none of the 213 countries in the world are really prepared. I believe that through synergy, Insya Allah (God willing), we can soon overcome all impacts of the (COVID-19) global pandemic, handle vulnerable people properly, and wade through this cyclone safely," he added.
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