Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian government has decided to relax the policy on wearing masks because the COVID-19 pandemic in the country is getting under control.

"If people are active outside rooms or in open areas that are not crowded, they are allowed not to wear masks. However, if they are active in closed rooms and public transportation means, they still must wear masks," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in his statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java province, Tuesday.

However, the president asked vulnerable people as well as those with cough and cold symptoms to continue wearing masks when doing activities.

“I still recommend that people who are categorized as vulnerable, elderly or have comorbid diseases wear masks when doing activities. Likewise, people who experience symptoms of cough and cold must still wear masks when carrying out activities," he emphasized.

In addition to easing the policy on wearing masks, the government has also relaxed domestic and foreign travel requirements for people who have been fully vaccinated.

"Domestic and foreign travelers who have received complete doses of vaccination do not need to carry out PCR or antigen swab tests," he added.

Reporting by Indonesia Window