President Jokowi Issues New Directives on PPKM Evaluation

President Jokowi chairs a limited meeting on PPKM evaluation via video conference from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport, Balikpapan city, East Kalimantan province, Monday (01/31). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (01/31), during a limited meeting via video conference from Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Sepinggan International Airport in Balikpapan city, East Kalimantan province, highlighted four matters regarding the evaluation of public activity restrictions (PPKM).

The President’s directives are as follows:

First, President Jokowi ordered his administration to use different approach to handle the increase in COVID-19 active cases in the country, especially the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

According to the President, based on the characteristics of the Omicron, efforts to strengthen the downstream section should be made as a short-term response.

“In the short term, we must strengthen the downstream section, disseminate information, provide education for asymptomatic people [of the importance of] self-quarantine by independently consulting to the doctor at community health centers, health facilities, or via telemedicine. Also, the stock of medicines in pharmacies should be regularly controlled,” the President said.

Second, the President ordered his administration to prevent local transmission, especially in the six provinces that contributed the most to the active cases in Indonesia. The President expressed hope that the public remain calm and disciplined in implementing health protocols.

“Stay calm, don’t panic but you have to stay alert. Also, do remain disciplined in implementing health protocols with the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri), especially the massive efforts on 3M [wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining a safe distance] as well as contact tracing like what we have done,” he said.

Third, the President reminded the importance of discipline in restricting entry points and in the quarantine process for international travels in accordance with the established regulations.

Fourth, President Jokowi ordered his administration to expedite the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.

“Finally, on vaccination, I order the acceleration for the first and second doses of vaccination as well as the booster jabs, especially vaccination achievement for children aged six to 11 and the elderly,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (FI/MUR)