President Jokowi Tells Regions to Remain Focused on Tackling COVID-19 Surge

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has urged governors, regents and mayors across the country to remain focused on tackling surge in COVID-19 cases.

“I order governors, regents, mayors and regional leadership coordination forum (Forkopimda) to remain focused on COVID-19 handling and economic development. Management and coordination are the key. Everyone must join hands [to tackle the pandemic],” the President said in a live-streamed meeting with regional leaders, Monday (19/07).

According to the President, strong on-the-ground leadership is needed at all levels of government, from the Central Government level to district, sub-district and village level.

The President also stated that relaxation on the restrictions policy will be in place once COVID-19 transmission rate and the number of cases with severe symptoms and hospitalization decrease.

“If we relax the restrictions policy and the cases number increase, hospitals will be unable to treat patients and our health facilities will collapse,” the President said, while underscoring the importance of maintaining self-discipline in observing health protocols.

“There are only two keys, namely speeding ​​up vaccination and maintaining self-discipline in observing health protocols, especially wearing a face mask. To that end, I order governors, regents, mayors and the Forkopimda to pay attention on this matter and to take necessary measures responsibly. The Central Government will provide support,” the President said.

The Head of State went on to say that the public must know how to make early detection [if] they are infected with COVID-19 and how to access medicine and medical consultation.

The President also ordered regional leaders to make detailed regulations for health protocols enforcement in a number of places, including markets, factories, malls, and places of worship. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RI/EP)