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Minister of Trade, Agus Suparmanto. (ANTARA/Aji Cakti)

Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Agus Suparmanto, has expressed the hope that the reopening of retail businesses and shopping malls, with the implementation of health protocols, would help revive economic activity in the new normal era.

"There is indeed a drastic decline (in trade), at the moment, due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. For that reason, economic activities need to be reactivated through the opening of retail businesses and shopping centers, while still prioritizing health protocols," Minister Suparmanto said during a virtual discussion on Thursday in Jakarta.

The minister stated that he has been monitoring the situation following the reopening of shopping centers a few days ago, and added there has been considerable enthusiasm from the public over malls opening their doors again.

In the current situation, amid a pandemic that has spread across the world, including in Indonesia, there needs to be prompt response in the face of COVID-19, he remarked.

The Indonesian government has continued to give priority to public health security and safety in every activity, including trade, he pointed out.

"In this (current) scenario, health protocols are very important and there needs to be awareness and strict discipline in carrying out trade activities, especially in modern retail and shopping centers," he continued.

He further said there has been a significant decline in trade in the past two months due to the number of inactive retail businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how people engage in social activities, including trade, he said. People are now required to wear masks, maintain a safe distance, and wear gloves. They also need to frequently wash their hands and avoid unnecessary contact with others.

He further said that, at the moment, the DKI Jakarta government and Governor Anies Baswedan are implementing health protocols well.

"Hopefully, this can be an example (to others) and can be sustained, so that retail revenues can increase after two months of closure," the minister said. (ANTARA)