COVID-19: Partial Lockdown Clears Jakarta’s Streets

Afriadi Hikmal
2020.05.04
Jakarta
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A pair on a motorcycle pass “Pasar Pagi,” one of the oldest wholesale markets in Jakarta, which is closed during the COVID-19 partial lockdown, April 30, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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Under normal conditions, this empty road under the Semanggi Bridge in central Jakarta would be packed with motorists, April 30, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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The Haji Nawi MRT Station, one of the busiest subway stations in Jakarta, is closed because of the pandemic, April 30, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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Lights form a heart shape, symbolizing hope and support, near the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout, one of Jakarta’s landmarks, May 1, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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A man walks through the empty Kendal tunnel connecting the Transjakarta Bus Stop, an MRT station, a commuter line station and the airport train station in Jakarta, May 1, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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Two security guards sit near the MRT feeder on Tanjung Karang Street in Jakarta, May 1, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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Two motorcyclists drive through the empty Mampang underpass tunnel in South Jakarta, May 1, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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This pedestrian bridge crossing Sudirman, one of the main streets in Jakarta and a favorite spot for taking pictures, is empty, May 1, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

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Trash service workers in Jakarta protect themselves with masks and gloves, May 1, 2020. [Afriadi Hikmal/BenarNews]

Once described by Time Magazine as “the worst city in the world for traffic jams,” Jakarta’s streets appear deserted at night as a result of a government-imposed partial lockdown to suppress the coronavirus pandemic.

Authorities restricted movement in the capital starting April 10 and later extended the curbs to May 22, ordering residents in the city of about 10 million people to stay at home as COVID-19 infections surged.

As of May 4, health authorities said, 11,587 cases and 864 deaths – the most in Southeast Asia – had been recorded nationwide. Jakarta reported almost half of those numbers: 5,539 infections and 408 fatalities.

Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan ordered schools, places of worship and businesses to remain closed, but allowed establishments providing essential goods and services, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and telecommunications, to continue operations.

Restrictions in the capital include a ban on motorcycle taxis carrying passengers and people dining in restaurants. Violators could face fines of up to 100 million rupiah (U.S. $6,325).

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