PSBB

PSBB stands for Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar, Large-Scale Social Restrictions, a set of public health measures implemented by the government of Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy aimed to slow the transmission of the coronavirus by reducing person-to-person contact in areas with community transmission.

It empowered regional governments to impose restrictions on activities and sectors judged high risk, including limits on gatherings, closures or restrictions of nonessential businesses, school closures or remote learning, limits on religious activities, and controls on transportation and travel.

The PSBB framework was implemented through regional regulations issued by governors and mayors under a broader central government policy. The intensity and duration of PSBB varied by region and time, with terms such as "PSBB ketat" (strict PSBB) used in some areas and "PSBB transisi" during transition phases.

In 2021–2022, Indonesia progressively shifted away from PSBB toward broader restrictions under a policy known as PPKM (Pemberlakuan Pembatasan Kegiatan Masyarakat). PSBB remained in use in some places until the transition, after which restrictions were gradually relaxed as case numbers fell and vaccination coverage expanded.

Impact and evaluation: The measures aimed to protect public health but imposed economic and social costs, particularly on small businesses, the informal sector, and education. Enforcement varied by region and subject to challenges in communication and compliance.