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Passengers ride a commuter line in Jakarta. (ANTARA)

Indonesian Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto has approved the implementation of large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in Makassar, South Sulawesi Province, as part of efforts to step up response to the novel coronavirus disease.

“The Makassar Mayor had earlier proposed the imposition of PSBB in the city, and based on the evaluation of our technical team, PSBB can be implemented there," Terawan noted in a statement issued here on Thursday.

The minister signed Ministerial Decree No. HK.01.07/Menkes/257/2020 on the imposition of PSBB in Makassar on April 16, 2020.

Before large-scale restrictions are approved for any city, a team from the Health Ministry conducts an epidemiology study and evaluates the city's preparedness in terms of the social, economic, and other aspects.

After a study was carried out in Makassar, the ministry concluded that the city be allowed to impose PSBB on account of a considerable spike in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The restrictions need to be followed up by consistent efforts from the city administration to promote a clean and healthy lifestyle among residents.

So far, the Health Minister has approved the imposition of PSBB in Jakarta; Bekasi District/Municipality, Depok City, and Bogor District/Municipality in West Java; Tangerang District/Municipality and South Tangerang City in Banten; and, Pekanbaru in Riau.

PSBB can be imposed in a region at the approval of the Health Minister. It is effective for a period of 14 days and can be extended if the authorities still find cases of virus transmissions in the region.

Following the issuance of a ministerial decree, a governor’s regulation needs to be issued to serve as a form of technical guidance on the implementation of PSBB.

The Health Minister has rejected proposals for according PSBB status to some regions, including Bolaang Mongondow District in North Sulawesi, Fakfak District and Sorong City in Papua, Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan, and Rote Ndao District in East Nusa Tenggara.

The regions have not been able to impose restrictions as they are yet to meet the criteria set for PSBB. (ANTARA)