So even as the economy falls into ruin because of the pandemic, banks are still raking in profits. Meanwhile, the government is straining under its weight.

Epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia’s Public Heath Faculty Iwan Ariawan says that the Level 1-4 public activity restrictions (PPKM) have been proven effective in slowing down the speed of Covid-19 transmission. Iwan who follows weekly virtual meetings with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin and Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan says that with increased testing and contact tracing ratios coupled with the second phase vaccination, the government hopes to rein in the pandemic in October or November.

Wholesalers are optimizing sales via online marketplaces as the retail industry gasps for air amid the emergency public activity restrictions. Meanwhile, small ones can only wait as their clocks tick.

The pandemic causes millions of Indonesians to cascade into poverty. More are mere inches away from stepping into the same abyss.

Readers write letters on how to obtain electronic KTP or e-KTP, AirAsia’s ticket refund, to questioning the emergency PPKM policy in the Covid-19 pandemic period.

How to renew a citizen’s identity card that is lost with no residential registration data?

The government hesitated to extend the emergency public activity restrictions. The State Intelligence Agency estimates public anxiety is increasing.

The Indonesian government postponed programs related to tourism during the implementation of the emergency public activity restrictions (PPKM). Travel agents are diversifying their services as the PPKM continues.