TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Ministry spokesperson Siti Nadia Tarmizi said 21 new Omicron cases in the country were imported cases from international travelers; 16 Indonesian citizens and 5 foreign citizens. She revealed that the most visited countries were Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

“The Omicron cases in Indonesia are due to travel activities from several countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, so people are advised to consider traveling there,” said Nadia in a written statement, Wednesday, December 29.

To date, most of the Omicron cases in Indonesia were detected in travelers returning to the country from overseas. Of the total 68 cases that have been found in Indonesia, only one confirmed case originated from the local transmission.

The government continued to tighten the entrance gate, especially at sea and land borders. The virus positivity rate at sea and land entrances was 10 times higher than at the air entrances.

Nadia also appealed to the public to reduce mobility and remain disciplined in implementing the predetermined health protocols.

“Self-awareness and restraining the urge to travel are necessary to do. I ask the public to work together to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 by refraining from traveling,” said Nadia.

Read: Over 10,000 Indonesians Traveling Abroad Amid Omicron Warning

EGI ADYATAMA