Jokowi Warns of Possible COVID-19 Surge Despite Improving Trends

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo claimed the COVID-19 trends in Indonesia had continued to improve in the past week. He outlined that the case positivity rate had decreased, as well as the hospital bed occupancy rate (BOR), which was already at an average of 27 percent.

“Nevertheless, all of us must be careful in responding to these improving trends,” he said as broadcasted on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel on Monday evening, August 30.

The head of state reminded all parties to stay vigilant. Learning from other countries, he added, indiscipline in complying with the predetermined health protocols could exacerbate the situation.

“Several countries whose population have been vaccinated more than 60 percent are currently experiencing yet another surge in COVID-19 cases,” he informed. “This happens because the people are not disciplined in implementing health protocols.”

Based on the evaluation in the past week, the government decided to lower the status level of the public mobility restrictions or PPKM of several regions from the strictest level 4 to level 3. “Starting August 31 until September 6, more agglomeration regions in the Java-Bali area enter level 3, namely Greater Malang and Greater Solo,” he announced.

Thus, the PPKM Level 3 is still in place this week in the agglomeration areas of Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek), Greater Bandung, Greater Surabaya, Greater Malang, and Greater Solo. “Greater Semarang has managed to get down to level 2,” said Jokowi.

Read: Jokowi Announces Greater Malang and Greater Solo under PPKM Level 3

DEWI NURITA