Indonesia Revokes COVID-19 Restrictions, But Masks Still Required

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - At the end of 2022, government of Indonesia has officially revoked the COVID-19 restrictions in all provinces. As a result, there are no more crowds restrictions in the country. 

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) gave that announcement on 30 December 2022, a day before the new year's eve. 

Indonesia used the four-tiered system Implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In early 2022, Jakarta's region reached level 3, but gradually fell to level 1.

"After the considerations based on the existing numbers, starting today the government has decided to revoke PPKM," declared President Jokowi.

President Jokowi said the weekly positivity rate was only 3.35% as of 27 December 2022.

However, President Jokowi still advised the public to stay alert and wear masks, particularly in crowded and closed spaces. He also encouraged the public to take their booster shots. 

"The society must be more independent in preventing the transmission, detecting the symptoms, and seeking medicines," said the president.

Before the government revoked PPKM, some concerts were already held, including the concert of K-pop group NCT 127 in Tangerang.

In the meantime, the central and regional COVID-19 Task Forces are still maintained to respond to the risk of transmission. 

This decision is also taken when there is an influx of COVID-19 cases in China. Some countries such as Japan, India, and the United States have taken strict policy for travellers from China. But Indonesia still has not taken any decision about the matter.

Lisza Egeham contributed to this report.