President Jokowi Calls for Close Cooperation among Countries to Tackle COVID-19

President Jokowi delivers his remarks at the International Conference on Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic: Health, Economics, Diplomacy, and Social Perspectives, virtually from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (23/2). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau)

The handling of the crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic requires close cooperation among countries in a more accurate and detailed manner, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“Cooperation is the most important thing so that we can tackle this pandemic,” the President said during the International Conference on Tackling The COVID-19 Pandemic: Health, Economics, Diplomacy, and Social Perspectives, virtually from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (23/2).

According to him, global cooperation must be strengthened as the world is unlikely to be completely free of the pandemic if there is still one country infected. “The spirit of cooperation needs to be galvanized because no one is safe until everyone is,” he said.

The President expressed belief that every country has taken measures to overcome the crisis. The COVID-19 vaccines have also brought as much new hope for all countries to escape the pandemic, he said, adding that Indonesia continues to push for equitable access to vaccines for all countries.

“Indonesia is one of the co-chairs of the COVAX AMC Engagement Group. It is Indonesia’s determination to secure access to vaccines for national needs, but always strive to contribute to other countries, to the world. Therefore, I continue to bring the importance of equal access to vaccines to all countries up to the United Nations  level,” he said.

On that occasion, the Head of State also pointed out that vaccination is not the only effort to escape the pandemic. Vaccination must be coupled with strict 3M’s health protocols (mask-wearing, hands-washing, and physical-distancing) as well as the 3T measures (testing, tracing, and treatment), he added.

In addition, the President also expressed optimism that the micro-scale approach strategy imposed by Indonesia can become the key to reducing the rate of transmission of COVID-19.

“The Indonesian Government is currently promoting a micro-scale management strategy by involving the lowest social community units, namely the neighborhood unit (RT) and the community unit (RW). Through the micro-scale handling pattern, I am convinced the rate curve for the new cases will be suppressed and the communities will also receive the necessary assistance services,” he said, adding that the RT/RW will be involved in distributing social assistance to affected communities.

Concluding his remarks, the President expressed belief that 2021 will be a year of mutual awakening. “2021 should be momentum to rise. A year to address various opportunities, a year to transform into a new force. The world must continue to strengthen cooperation to overcome common challenges and rebound together,” he remarked. (TGH/UN) (RIF/MUR)