Unemployment Rate in Three Provinces Under Emergency PPKM Above National Average

The implementation of Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) has the potential to trigger a wave of layoffs and increase unemployment. This is concerning, as three provinces implementing the emergency PPKM already have open unemployment rates (TPT) above the national average of 6.26%.

Banten, for example, had a TPT of 9.01% in February 2021. West Java's TPT reached 8.92% during the same period. Jakarta's TPT was recorded at 8.51%.

Meanwhile, four other provinces implementing the emergency PPKM also have TPTs above the national average. Specifically, Central Java's TPT was 5.96% in February 2021.

Bali had a TPT of 5.42%. East Java and Yogyakarta reached 5.17% and 4.28%, respectively.

Nevertheless, the emergency PPKM is crucial for suppressing the currently rising transmission rate of the Covid-19 coronavirus. Under the emergency PPKM, places of worship, malls, and tourist attractions will be temporarily closed.

A 100% work-from-home (WFH) policy will be implemented for non-essential sectors. The operating hours of traditional and modern markets will be limited to 8 PM, with a maximum visitor capacity of 50%.

Furthermore, the government is increasing its target for testing and tracing close contacts of coronavirus cases. The public is urged to diligently adhere to the 3M health protocols: wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands with soap.