Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on Development of PPKM, 30 August 2021, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good afternoon,

May prosperity be upon us all,

Om swastiastu,

Namo buddhaya,

Greetings of Virtue.

Alhamdulillah, because of the hard work of all parties, in the past week the COVID-19 situation in the country has begun to improve. The positivity rate has shown a decline in the last seven days. The bed occupancy rate (BOR) for COVID-19 patients is getting better. The national average BOR is already around 27 percent.

Therefore, the Government has decided that starting 31 August to 6 September 2021 will apply several policies as follows:

For Java-Bali region there are additional agglomeration areas that entered PPKM Level 3, namely Malang Raya and Solo Raya. With this addition, the agglomeration areas that are included in Level 3 in this week’s implementation are Greater Jakarta, Greater Bandung, Greater Surabaya, Greater Malang, and Solo Raya. Meanwhile, Semarang Raya managed to get down to Level 2.

Overall, in Java and Bali islands, there has been a good development. Level 4 from 51 regencies / cities has dropped to 25 regencies / cities, Level 3 from 67 regencies / cities has increased to 76 regencies / cities, while Level 2 from 10 regencies / cities has increased to 27 regencies / cities.

Regions outside Java and Bali islands have also shown improvement. Level 4 from 104 regencies / cities to 85 regencies / cities, Level 3 from 234 regencies / cities to 232 regencies / cities, and Level 2 from 48 regencies / cities to 68 regencies / cities. Then Level 1 from no district / city to one district / city.

The evaluation results show that the implementation of health protocols in several sectors has been positive. To that end, the Government has made adjustments which will be explained in more detail by the Coordinating Minister and relevant ministers.

However, everyone should remain vigilant and careful in responding to this improvement trend. Indonesia must be able to learn the development of the COVID-19 situation in other countries and take important lessons from them.

Several countries whose more than 60% of their population has been vaccinated are currently experiencing another surge in COVID-19. This happens because the people are not disciplined in implementing health protocols.

We have to work together to avoid surge in COVID-19 cases. The key is simple. Let’s get vaccinated immediately, be disciplined and follow health protocols.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (EST / EP)