TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Epidemiologist from Griffith University, Dicky Budiman, predicted Indonesia would experience the peak of the first COVID-19 wave at the end of June 2021. “Indonesia is still in its first wave, but now it is reaching its peak,” Dicky told Tempo on Monday, June 7.

He disclosed that this condition could be caused by the accumulation of old cases that were not controlled, whether it was worsening due to general elections, a series of long holidays, uncontrolled community activities, up to the Eid homecoming season.

“That is why the prediction for the peak will be at the end of June and can reach 100,000 cases per day. But it's not over yet,” Dicky said.

He opined there was also the potential for a significant surge in cases due to the new coronavirus variants that reportedly spread faster. Other than Indonesia, countries experiencing a long and strong first wave of COVID-19 are Brazil and India. Both countries had seen an explosion of new cases earlier. “If this is not anticipated properly, it can be dangerous,” Dicky expressed concerns.

The classic problem of controlling the pandemic in Indonesia lies in its management and strategy, Dicky argued. The management of pandemic control should be led by the health sector with the Health Minister as the commander.

“And the strategy must focus on strengthening testing, tracing, treating, quarantine assisted with vaccinations and the 5M health protocols. All of them are encapsulated in one comprehensive plan with precise and measurable indicators,” Dicky said of the handling of the first COVID-19 wave in the archipelago.

Read: Plotting the Road Back to Normal after COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

FRISKI RIANA