Gov’t Remains Vigilant Following Increase in COVID-19 Cases in 105 Regencies/Cities

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan delivers his press statement after a limited meeting on the Evaluation of PPKM, Monday (25/10). (Source: Presidential Secretariat YouTube Channel)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo ordered his administration to pay attention to the increase of COVID-19 cases in 105 regencies/cities.

“The President reminded us to remain vigilant and careful about the next wave. This is related to the increase in cases in 105 cities and regencies throughout Indonesia,” Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said after a limited meeting on the Evaluation of Public Activity Restrictions (PPKM), Monday (25/10).

Although the increase is still at a controllable level, the Government continues to strive to prevent a spike in cases.

“The president ordered us to monitor the cities and regencies in a more detailed manner and immediately dispatch a team to the field to intervene in the area at once. We did that last week and now we are doing it again according to the President’s orders,” said Luhut.

Overall, the implementation of PPKM which was continuously carried out by the Government and evaluated every week was able to control the pandemic in Indonesia.

“The confirmed cases of Indonesia and Java-Bali islands have each decreased by 98.9 percent from their peak cases on 15 July,” he said.

In line with the implementation of PPKM, the Government also continues to intensify vaccination drives, especially for the elderly who have a high risk if exposed to COVID-19. Acceleration of the vaccination will provide cities and regencies opportunities to meet Level 2 and Level 1 PPKM requirements.

Luhut said that the improvement in the PPKM level will also result in an increase in the mobility composite index in several regions. For this reason, it is necessary to tighten supervisory management in the field.

In addition to the increase in cases in several regions, Indonesia is also aware of and studying the increase in cases that reoccurred in several countries, including countries with high vaccination rates.

“In the particular country, relaxation of social activities is carried out quickly and health protocols are forgotten. I beg you to understand. If any of our steps look strict, we have really considered the steps,” said Luhut.

Learning from other countries, strengthening the 3T efforts (tracing, testing, and treatment) and 3M health protocols (wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance, and washing hands), as well as maintaining the use of PeduliLindungi application, should continue to be carried out.

“The President again emphasized that PeduliLindungi is one of the tools to control the pandemic in the midst of this increased mobility and must continue to be massively promoted and used,” he said.

Furthermore, the Government is also aware of the potential for an increase in COVID-19 cases during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.

Based on a survey conducted by Ministry of Transportation, as many as 19.9 million people in Java-Bali and 4.45 million people in Greater Jakarta will travel during the period. This increased mobility has the potential to increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

“The President gave firm directives to all of us to immediately take steps regarding decisions and policies on the matter to prevent the spike in cases due to the Christmas and New Year holidays,” he said. (DND/UN-PR of Cabinet Secretariat) (FI/MMB)