Malang City Implements Social Distancing Zone in 10 Residential Areas and Idjen Road

Kapanlagi.com - Malang City will implement a social distancing zone or an area to maintain social distance in order to prevent the spread of the Covid19 virus. The implementation of this concept will start with the closure of roads and access restrictions in 10 residential areas in Malang City.

The Chief of Malang City Police, Police Commissioner Leonardus Simamarta, said that the agreement was reached during a coordination meeting with stakeholders. The plan to close roads will start on Saturday and Sunday, and gradually extend to residential areas.

"We will implement a social distancing zone. We will implement it in two parts, namely the roads, as agreed in the coordination meeting, we will implement it on Idjen Road. We will start on Saturday and Sunday, from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 07:00 PM to 11:00 PM," said Leonardus Simamarta on Friday (27/3).

1. Will Be Implemented on Other Roads

According to Leonardus, temporary road closures are only implemented on Idjen Street, but will be implemented on other roads. However, this will be done after analysis and evaluation (anev) in the initial implementation. It is not just about closure, but also providing alternative routes and traffic engineering.

"We will add road sections, maybe on Soehat Street and other roads. Maybe, we will conduct anev. We cannot take immediate steps without anev," he explained.

2. Implemented in Residential Areas

Kapanlagi/Darmadi Sasongko

In addition, it will also be implemented in 10 residential areas with the requirement that the area has implemented a one-gate system. The access for people and goods that potentially carry the Covid19 virus will be restricted by placing couriers.

"We will implement this in the area by placing couriers who will be stationed at the guard post along with security personnel. The couriers' task is to connect people and goods that arrive, such as food and goods delivery, which will go through the couriers. The couriers will deliver them to the residents. No outsiders can enter without us knowing their background," he explained.

This concept will be socialized with the support of the residents for the common interest of the entire community. The system will be implemented in residential areas such as Permata Jingga Housing, Idjen Housing, Araya Housing, Sulfat Housing, and others. This measure will also be reinforced by disinfecting the environment.

"We urge residential areas to practice social distancing by spraying or disinfecting everything with disinfectants. We are here to help, I offered earlier that if you want to use our water cannon, feel free to do so," he added.

3. Appointing Couriers

The housing will later appoint couriers who will be placed based on the agreement of the residents. Among the considerations are their health conditions and history.

Leo also emphasized that both police officers and housing staff who will be in the field are expected to use complete personal protective equipment (PPE).

"We also emphasize that in the housing area, as well as those on the road, they should be equipped with PPE. Masks and gloves are also necessary equipment during spraying, protective clothing, goggles, and others.

Leo asked the public to accept all conditions, because the situation requires staying at home. This step is for the common interest, as stated in the Circular of the Chief of Police and the Circular Letter from the Mayor of Malang.

4. Firm Action

Kapanlagi/Darmadi Sasongko

Malang City Police also took firm action against business owners who dared to open their businesses beyond the specified time. At least 25 business owners were brought to the Malang City Police Headquarters.

In a joint operation, the City Police, the Military District Command, and the Malang City Government detained 25 people who dared to open their businesses after 8:00 PM. They consisted of cafe owners and retail store owners who were caught still conducting transactions and serving customers.

The joint operation also targeted gatherings of residents who continued their activities amid the danger of the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Officials found people hanging out in cafes and asked them to disperse from the crowd. "We have detained 25 responsible persons and business owners," said Leo.

5. Joint Operation

Leo said, three days earlier an operation was also conducted but only in the form of appeals and warnings. However, the level has been raised, so if there is a violation, it will be immediately secured.

The joint operation was carried out simultaneously in five sub-districts in Malang City. Officers will stop when they see businesses that are still open and disperse the crowd, as well as secure the responsible parties.

Those who are secured are asked to make a statement to prevent such incidents from happening again. Business owners are asked not to accept customers who eat or hang out in their establishments, thus preventing mass gatherings.

(kpl/dar/frs)