Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Latest Development of COVID-19 Handling, Wednesday, 23 June 2021, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow citizens,

We are currently dealing with a tough and challenging situation because in the last few days COVID-19 cases have increased and there is also a new strain that is more easily transmitted. The Government has received a lot of advice, and we pay attention to all of the advice, be it from citizens, groups, or community members, including proposals to re-impose Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) and lockdown due to the very rapid increase in positive cases.

We are aware that the significant increase in positive cases has resulted in the rising bed occupancy rate in hospitals. The Government has reviewed various options for handling COVID-19 by taking into account economic, social, and political development in our country Indonesia as well as experiences from other countries.

And, the Government has decided that Micro-Scale Activity Restrictions (PPKM Mikro) is still the most appropriate policy to stop the spread of COVID-19 to the village level and directly address the root of the problem in communities. Why has the Government decided to impose the PPKM Mikro? The Government is of the view that the PPKM Mikro policy is still the most appropriate policy for the current situation to control the COVID-19 pandemic because it can be implemented without shutting down the people’s economic activities.

The PPKM Mikro and lockdown share the same essence, namely restricting community activities, and they are not contradictory. When the PPKM Mikro is implemented properly and on the ground measures are continuously strengthened, the rate of cases should be under control. The problem is that the existing PPKM Mikro is not comprehensive and is still implemented sporadically.

To that end, I order Governors, Regents, and Mayors to strengthen their commitment in implementing PPKM Mikro policy by optimizing the COVID-19 posts established in every village or district. The main function of the posts is to encourage changes in people’s behavior in wearing face masks, keeping safe distance, and washing hands. Self–discipline in following the protocols is the key, along with strengthening the implementation of testing, tracing, and treatment to the village level.

To that end, let us maintain our self-discipline in dealing with this pandemic. The pandemic is real. The disease knows no race. Everyone regardless of their origin, economic status, religion or ethnicity, can all be affected. It is a disease that does not care who we are. If we are not careful and disciplined to take care of ourselves, we may contract the disease.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Should you have the opportunity to get vaccinated, take it immediately. No one should refuse the vaccine, because no religion forbids vaccine. It is for our safety. Vaccine is the best option available today. We must achieve herd immunity to contain the pandemic. Before the herd immunity is achieved, we must remain disciplined and take care of ourselves, especially by wearing masks.

Finally, I ask for this one simple thing: stay at home unless you have an urgent need. Only through joint efforts can we stop the pandemic. Everyone, every citizen, must play a role in handling the pandemic. Without our unity, we will not be able to stop the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

May the Almighty God bless all of us.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RI/MUR)