Jakarta.  Two Covid-battered islands Java and Bali will implement strict social restrictions from July 3 to July 20. The new restriction encompasses more stringent measures from work-from-home policies to temporary mall closures.

According to Indonesian Public Health Expert Association (IAKMI) chairman Ede Surya Darmawan, the various Covid-19 policies rolled out by the government are to encourage the public to adopt Covid-prevention behaviors.

“No crowding. The public should stay at home and only leave for essential reasons. With this, we can suppress the transmission,” Ede said in a statement on Thursday.

Ede noted the government should ramp up Covid-19 testing and tracing once the restriction comes into force. Boosting the vaccination drive is also necessary to to reach herd immunity faster. 

"This must be immediately done as part of the war against Covid-19," he said.

Arya Sinulingga, public communication coordinator at the Covid-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPCPEN), echoed the need for the public to comply with the Covid-19 rules. He also asked for the support of all parties, including the private sector.

“The prohibition or regulations regarding operational hours must be complied with,” Arya said.

With everyone’s commitment, the restriction would suppress the virus transmission, he noted.

Earlier today, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo announced the government would tighten the Covid-19 measures in Java and Bali. The decision came as Indonesia battles with an alarming transmission rate due to the variant of concerns infecting the country.

“All state apparatus, the military, police, civil servants, doctors and health workers must work hand-in-hand to combat the outbreak,” Jokowi said.

The Health Ministry will boost hospital capacity, isolation centers, as well as supplies of medications, medical equipment, and oxygen, he added. 

In his statement, Jokowi asked the public to remain calm, alert, observe the protocols, and support the work of the government and volunteers in dealing with the pandemic.

"With good cooperation from all of us and God’s will, I believe we can suppress the transmission and restore people's lives quickly," the president said.