Indonesian House of Representatives to commence its next session following extended recess

Photo: AFP

Indonesia’s legislature is set to resume session today after a month-long recess due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Despite declaring a national state of emergency, Jakarta’s response to the pandemic has been decentralised, with some provinces implementing rules and regulations stricter than those implemented by the central government. Provincial leadership has sought a coordinated national response, criticising Jakarta as hundreds of thousands of urban Indonesians flee large cities and seek safe haven in their native, rural villages.

The government has been slow to enact a nationwide lockdown, fearing an economic hit that would slow growth, but such measures may soon be implemented in Jakarta to slow the virus’ spread.

With a population of 264 million scattered over 6000 islands and a healthcare system lacking resources, Indonesia may prove to be one of the least resilient places for containing the epidemic, which is already at 1,285 cases and growing. As the House comes back in session, legislation rationing food sales and exports of medical equipment will be discussed, alongside ways to support population lockdowns to avoid new waves of infections throughout the island chain.

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