New Driving Regulations During the Transitional PSBB Period

During the Covid-19 pandemic like now, many regions have implemented regional quarantine or what is more commonly known as Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB). The implementation of PSBB does not only occur in large cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and their surroundings but is also carried out by several small cities in line with the increasing number of positive Covid-19 cases. Of course, with their own regulations and mechanisms in each area.

One example is the city of Jakarta, the capital of this country, which has actually implemented PSBB during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as the number of positive Covid-19 cases continues to rise alarmingly, the local government plans to implement total PSBB starting September 14. Although it is still a regional quarantine, what is the difference between this PSBB and the previous one? Here is the explanation.

Differences in Current PSBB

In this second implementation of PSBB, the Jakarta provincial government is likely to impose stricter regulations and fines compared to before. This can be seen from Governor Anies Baswedan's decision to eliminate the odd-even system in Jakarta and require all companies in Jakarta to implement a work-from-home system. In addition, the government will also impose restrictions on public transportation to minimize the movement of Jakarta residents.

Although the regulations regarding transportation restrictions have not been explained in detail, the mechanism is likely similar to the previous PSBB where the government limited the operational hours of public transportation, restricted the fleet that operates, and shortened the operational hours of those vehicles. Although there will be restrictions on public transportation, there are no signs that the government will also create rules for private vehicle PSBB.

Transitional PSBB Regulations

During the first PSBB or transitional PSBB, the government did still provide leniency for private vehicles, especially cars, to traverse the capital's roads. The regulations for private vehicles in Jakarta only advise the public to maintain distance while in the car and always follow the applicable health protocols. For example, wearing masks while driving and always washing hands with soap or antiseptic.

In addition to maintaining distance between passengers, the Jakarta provincial government also advises that the number of passengers in cars during the transitional PSBB be limited. Ideally, the number of passengers in a car should not exceed half of the vehicle's capacity. Furthermore, passengers are also advised to sit in opposing positions to minimize the transmission of Covid-19.

This is almost similar to the regulations in other public transportation such as KRL, MRT, and Trans Jakarta buses. Passengers of these transportations are required to always wear masks, maintain distance while in the vehicle, and are prohibited from talking while inside the vehicle. The last regulation is the latest rule that has been implemented since the positive Covid-19 cases in Jakarta have become increasingly concerning.

Then, if these rules are used to limit the activities of Jakarta residents, why is the odd-even system in Jakarta abolished during the pandemic? The system was abolished to facilitate the movement of people who are experiencing an emergency situation or urgent needs. By temporarily suspending this system, people who need certain assistance/services can drive freely without worrying about fines.

The implementation of the odd-even system in Jakarta indeed has good intentions. However, if there are urgent interests concerning the public interest, then these regulations can be changed by the local government. This is not the first time. During the Asian Games and Asian Para Games in 2018, the Jakarta provincial government also changed the rules allowing certain vehicles to pass through sections of the road that used the odd-even system.