VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Kuta Beach is deserted on Saturday (July 3, 2021), the first day of the imposition of emergency restrictions to contain a surge in coronavirus cases. (ANTARA FOTO/Fikri Yusuf/foc) - 

The Indonesian government said the first day of imposition of emergency community activity restrictions (PPKM) in Java and Bali went smoothly on Saturday.

"From various reports compiled from the fields until this afternoon, the implementation of the emergency PPKM went smoothly, in an orderly manner, and in accordance with the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 15 of 2021," Jodi Mahardi, spokesperson for the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, said in a press statement broadcast by the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube account here on Saturday.

If there are any irregularities, the local governments and field officers must immediately evaluate and intervene to correct them, he advised.

"Remember, this emergency PPKM action is to save lives. The President's orders are clear. We are taking more decisive and measurable steps," he remarked.

Mahardi also reiterated that Indonesia's COVID situation is currently not okay owing to a drastic spike in infections.

Indonesia saw a record increase in daily COVID-19 cases on Saturday, with 27,913 new infections and 493 deaths reported across the country. The number of single-day recoveries stood at 13,282, while active cases were pegged at 281,677.

"This unusual condition requires extraordinary measures. The transmission must be controlled. Hence, it has been agreed with the local governments that community activity restrictions are to be carried out up to the sub-district level," Mahardi said.

With the second wave of COVID-19 infections driving rates of hospitalization and deaths to record highs, the government has decided to impose emergency restrictions in Java and Bali Islands from July 3 to July 20, 2021.

The new restrictions aim to cut daily cases to below 10 thousand and entail a work-from-home guidance for all non-essential sectors and the continued closure of schools and universities.

During the emergency restrictions, public amenities like beaches, parks, tourist attractions, and places of worship will remain closed, while restaurants will be allowed to only offer take-away or delivery services//ANT