Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at COVID-19 Mass Vaccination for Tourism Industry Stakeholders, Religious Leaders, Cultural Bearers, Youth Representatives and Local Communities, 16 March 2021, at Puri Saren Agung, Gianyar Regency, Bali Province

Good afternoon,

Om Swastiastu.

Distinguished Mayor of Denpasar, Regent of Tabanan, Regent of Karang Asem, Regent of Badung, Regent of Buleleng, Regent of Klungkung, Regent of Bangli, and Regent of Jembrana.

I would like to underscore three important things this morning. We should be grateful that the vaccination process has started simultaneously in Bali Province, in all Regencies and Cities. And we hope that with the increasing number of people who have been vaccinated, we will achieve herd immunity. We hope that after the herd immunity is achieved, the rate of spread of COVID-19 can be decreased, can be reduced, and even be eliminated.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and all Regents and Mayors who continuously inform the public (about health protocols).

Second, it is always important to maintain strict health protocols so that the rate of spread of COVID-19 can be reduced in Bali Province.

Third, when you see that the spread of COVID-19 decreases and disappears, and after the stages that will be designed by Provinces, Regencies and Cities as well as by the Central Government, we will start opening the economy step by step, particularly the tourism sector in Bali Province. But at this time we have to speak as it is, it still takes several measures to lead to a normal situation and we hope that everyone will remain vigilant.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious opportunity.

I Thank you.

Om santi santi santi om.

If anyone wants to deliver statement, especially regarding vaccination, implementation of micro-scale activity restrictions, difficulties or other things, I give way to a Regent or a Mayor, please.

Thank you, Mr. Regent. I think we all make our best efforts so that we can really solve the problems on the ground.

I think that concludes my remarks on this auspicious opportunity and we hope that Bali can immediately recover after the vaccination process continues day by day.

 Om santi santi santi om.

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RI/LW)