Indonesian President Joko Widodo has announced that Covid-19 restrictions have been extended by a week to August 2 to try to curb infections, Reuters reports.

Indonesia has become Asia's Covid-19 epicentre with hospitals deluged, particularly on the densely populated island of Java and on Bali, where oxygen supplies are running thin.

"I'd like to thank all Indonesians for their understanding and support for the curbs that have been effective for 23 days," the president said, adding that Covid infections and hospital bed occupancies had declined, without specifying by how much.

Considerably looser than the previous curbs, he said the government would gradually adjust some restrictions on "some activities", while allowing traditional markets and restaurants with outdoor areas to open, with some limitations.