PALANGKA RAYA – EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION BUREAU. Provincial Government of Central Kalimantan has officially decided to extend the Implementation of Restrictions on Community Activities (PPKM) starting from August 3 to 17, 2021, with the issuance of Governor’s Instruction Number 180.17/163/2021 of August 2, 2021, specifically for Palangka Raya Municipality, PPKM Level 4 is applied, while other regencies implement PPKM Level 3.

“All these (PPKM Level 4 and 3) policies are carried out merely to protect and save the people of Central Kalimantan,” said Central Kalimantan Governor H. Sugianto Sabran in a press conference held at Jayang Tingang Hall, Governor’s Office, Palangka Raya on Tuesday (3/8/2021) afternoon.

Governor then explained that the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government had to take the policy in order to immediately control the spread of COVID-19, so that people are protected and the increase in cases of death due to COVID-19 or Corona Virus could be prevented. “I, as the Governor of Central Kalimantan, apologize to all people affected by this policy. This step, although it feels bitter, must be taken because it is the most appropriate way to control the transmission of COVID-19,” explained Governor.

As is known, in the last 1 month, there has been a high spike in confirmed cases of COVID-19 and death rate in Central Kalimantan, especially in Palangka Raya. Based on data from the Central Kalimantan COVID-19 Task Force, as of July 1, 2021, the total confirmed cases in Central Kalimantan were 25,930, under treatment were 1,885 and death cases were 693. Then, on August 2, 2021, the total cases were 35,043, under treatment were 3,702, and death cases were 1,147. It can be observed that during this period, there was an increase in the total number of COVID-19 cases as many as 9,113, under treatment were 1,817, and 454 people died. In addition, there is also a new Delta variant which is highly contagious.

Therefore, Governor Sugianto Sabran also hopes that people are willing to follow the government’s recommendations and sincerely accept the restrictions that need to be carried out for mutual safety because all efforts and policies made by the government cannot succeed without the support and active participation of the community. “Let us together, hand in hand, strengthen each other to face this pandemic,” said Governor Sugianto Sabran.

Furthermore, Governor also asked all Regents/Mayor to properly carry out all the provisions stipulated in Governor’s Instruction Number 180.17/163/2021 on the Enforcement of Restrictions on Community Activities Level 4 and Level 3 as well as Optimizing the COVID-19 Handling Post at Village Level and Sub-District in Central Kalimantan Province.

“I urge all stakeholders, especially the Regents/Mayor to carry out these instructions as well as possible and report their implementation to Governor as the Chair of COVID-19 Handling Task Force of Central Kalimantan Province,” said Governor Sugianto Sabran.

Governor Sugianto Sabran also emphasized all Regents/Mayor to strengthen the implementation of 3T to speed up the case finding in the community, so that people can immediately receive the necessary health care as early as possible. “I ask Regents/Mayor throughout Central Kalimantan to implement, strengthen and carry out 3T seriously,” said Governor Sugianto Sabran.

The implementation of PPKM, especially Level 4 in Palangka Raya, will undoubtedly have an impact on various sectors of people’s lives, especially the non-essential sector. For this reason, Governor Sugianto Sabran stated that the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government would make a number of efforts to support PPKM Level 4 in Palangka Raya and of course help ease the burden on the community. “Providing social assistance for people who carry out self-isolation and vulnerable community groups,” said Governor Sugianto Sabran.

In addition, the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government will also take other efforts, including providing a credit restructuring relaxation policy for debtors affected by the pandemic in accordance with the applicable OJK Regulations; setting up public kitchens in certain locations; provide vitamin and medical assistance for those in isolation and vulnerable groups of people; and prepare antigens for tracing purposes.

At the end of the press conference, Governor again emphasized that to be able to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, joint efforts and prayers are needed from all components of the government and society. “It is our hope, with all the efforts we make and the prayers to Allah SWT, God Almighty, we will reduce the number of transmissions, so as to break the chain of COVID-19. This requires the cooperation of all of us,” concluded Governor Sugianto Sabran.

Also accompanying the Governor of Central Kalimantan at the press conference were Vice Governor Edy Pratowo, Chief of Regional Police Inspector General Pol Dedi Prasetyo, Military Commander 102/Pjg Brigadier General Purwo Sudaryanto, Chief Deputy Attorney General Marang, Regional Indonesian State Intelligence Agency Brigadier General Sinyo, and Acting Provincial Secretary of Central Kalimantan Nuryakin. (set/ist/translated by feb)