TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Deputy Chairman Erwin Aksa expected a breakthrough represented by the government to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the ‘new normal’ era.

According to Erwin, there are seven efforts to raise public awareness about the dangers of this pandemic. “There are seven vital breakthroughs that the government must carry out in the current ‘new normal’ condition,” he said in a statement in Jakarta, Monday, September 21.

First, Erwin mentioned the government could increase the rapid testing capacity to 200,000 per day in order to accommodate all Indonesian people as soon as possible. “Presently, Indonesia has only conducted 40,000 tests per day, while we predict the number of people infected with Covid-19 already hit millions,” he said.

Second, the government should focus on handling the outbreak and cooperate with the local government and public to prevent the emergence of new infection clusters. “Contain Covid-19 first, then open the economic activities. Because if we simultaneously maintain the economy while virus transmission remains high at the same time, the results will be detrimental,” said Erwin.

Third, the government must immediately set affordable prices of health equipment related to Covid-19, such as swab tests, face masks, face shields, and hand gloves. The public should also be encouraged to be aware of their condition, including by undergoing a swab test once in two weeks.

Fifth, the government must continue to spread information regarding the pandemic and announce its efforts through various media approaches so that it would be easier to reach and understand.

“There has been no clear framing about the Covid-19 mitigation in terms of public policy thus far,” Erwin added.

Sixth, the government also needs to think about innovative steps to prevent public disruption at ministries or institutions and ease the bureaucracy. As for the last input, the government must provide direct cash aid (BLT) to the public and incentives for businesses affected by Covid-19, such as the tourism, hotels, and restaurants sector.

According to Erwin, Kadin was ready to help the government in providing assistance to the business sector by conducting Covid-19 tracing. “So it will be easier to find out the patient’s movement and close contacts. We also ask the government to release correct data,” said Erwin.

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ANTARA