Indonesia is evaluating whether to end Covid-19 restrictions on movement as planned or extend them, as the country battles with a surge of new infections and a crumbling economy, senior minister Luhut Pandjaitan said.

The curbs on movement, which include the closure of shopping malls and a work from home order for non-essential workers, on the islands of Java, Bali and 15 other cities across the archipelago, are set to end on July 20, Reuters reports.

“Decreased mobility does not indicate a decrease in cases. We are evaluating [...] whether further extension is needed,” Panjaitan, the country's minister of maritime and investment affairs told a virtual press conference, adding that the government will announce its decision in a matter of days.

Locals wearing protective masks, to prevent the spread of coronavirus, stand in line to receive assistance from Indonesian president in Jakarta on July 16. — Reuters
Locals wearing protective masks, to prevent the spread of coronavirus, stand in line to receive assistance from Indonesian president in Jakarta on July 16. — Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...
A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...