Gov’t Mulls Shortening Year-End Long Holiday to Curb Spread of COVID-19

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto, and Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo engage in a discussion before delivering a press statement regarding the results of the Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Report of the COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Working Committee, Jakarta, Monday (23/11). (Photo by: Public Relations / Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called on his Cabinet ministers to shorten this year’s year-end holiday in a bid to contain COVID-19 transmission.

“The President  has called for the shortening of collective leave days ahead of this year’s year-end holiday, including the substitute leave days for Eid al-Fitr,” Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (PMK) Muhadjir Effendy said after attending a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Report of the COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Working Committee, Jakarta, Monday (23/11).

According to the Minister, the President has ordered the ministry to arrange coordination meeting among relevant ministries to discuss the matter immediately.

“The President has asked for a meeting on the issue of year-end holidays to be coordinated by Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture with related ministries and government institutions,” the Minister said.

Muhadjir went on to say that the President has also urged ministers to maintain and improve the Government’s achievement in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The country recorded 12.78 percent in active cases, which was lower than that of the global average that stood at 28.41 percent. The recovery rate in the country is at 84.03 percent, while the global recovery rate is at 69.20 percent. Those figures show positive indicators. Thus, the President has given order to maintain and improve them,” he said.

On that occasion, the President has also instructed Minister of Home Affairs, Chief of the Indonesian National, and regional leaders to pay attention to the regional elections to be held in less than two weeks.

“The governors and regional governments (regencies/cities) should also pay attention to balance COVID-19 handling and economy recovery. This is important. We strive to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and revive the economy,” he said.

Muhadjir further said that the President also stressed the importance of encouraging community economic recovery.

“Both central and regional governments should push for more job opportunities and restoring employment conditions, as well as increasing household consumption through improved performance of MSMEs as directed by the President,” he added. (TGH/UN) (RIF/EP)