TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Health Ministry welcomes the revocation of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) status for Covid-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) Director General on Friday, May 5, 2023.

“We thank all the health workers and medical staffs who worked hard together, so Covid-19 infection in Indonesia could be controlled, and we're currently moving forward to end the emergency condition,” said health ministry spokesperson dr. Mohammad Syahril in a statement on Saturday, May 6.

Indonesia had previously prepared for the transition from pandemic to endemic by consulting with WHO. Indonesia's preparations, according to WHO, were considered good in facing the transition from a pandemic to an endemic.

“We've consulted with the WHO director general and the team in Geneva and Jakarta for Indonesia to prepare for the pandemic transition some time ago before WHO announced the PHIEC status revocation,” he added.

Despite the pandemic emergency status, the government continues to prioritize preparedness and vigilance. WHO also emphasized the importance of the transition period for long-term mitigation of Covid-19, including health surveillance in the community and preparedness of health facilities and medicines, as well as preparing other health policies, as an effort to strengthen national health and preparedness for the possibility of a pandemic in the future.

The people are also asked to maintain health protocols. Vaccination efforts also still continue in order to improve protection for the most at-risk groups in society.

The government continues to prepare steps to revoke the pandemic status in accordance with the 2023-2025 Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Strategy which has been prepared by WHO as a guideline for countries. WHO Director-General said that Indonesia's preparations were considered good in facing the transition from a pandemic to an endemic.

“The virus of Covid-19 is still around us, so people must remain vigilant. The elderly group and patients with comorbidities still have the highest risk, so vaccinations must still be carried out," Syahril explained. The government also appreciates everyone, including health workers, who have worked hard and sacrificed tirelessly against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Maria Fransisca Lahur

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