The COVID-19 Disaster Is Not Over, President Jokowi Invites MPL-PGI To Succeed In Vaccinations

President Joko Widodo (Photo: Twitter @jokowi)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed that Indonesia has experienced various ordeals entering 2021. Apart from the COVID-19 pandemic, several areas such as South Kalimantan (South Kalimantan), West Sulawesi (Sulbar) and West Java experienced disasters.

Especially for a pandemic, not only Indonesia, but 215 countries in the world have also experienced the same thing. The difference, Jokwoi emphasized, was that the economic and health crises as a result of COVID-19 could be managed properly.

"But the problem has not been completely resolved. The pandemic is still ongoing and we are still alert and alert. Several days ago, South Kalimantan was hit by floods that hit several districts and cities, landslides in Sumedang, the Sriwijaya Air accident, and also the West Sulawesi earthquake in Mamuju and Majene. "Jokowi explained in his virtual remarks at the opening of the Complete Workers Council of the Fellowship of Churches in Indonesia (MPL-PGI), as reported by Antara, Monday, January 25.

Governments and communities must work hard to reduce disaster risks and always be prepared to deal with them. Including the PGI extended family who have helped ease the burden on communities affected by the pandemic.

President Jokowi delivered 3 messages to members of the MPL-PGI session. The first is related to the COVID-19 vaccination which will be injected into 181.5 million Indonesians before 2021. He invited all Christians and PGI ranks to work together to help the government make this vaccination program a success.

"We have ordered 426 million doses of vaccine from 4 different companies and countries, we have prepared 30 thousand vaccinators, 10 thousand health centers, and 3 thousand hospitals that will support vaccinations," explained President Jokowi.

PGI is expected to participate in educating the public, providing correct information that vaccination will be a way to recover and rise from the pandemic while still applying health protocols.

Second, related to national economic recovery, the government continues to strive to accelerate and revive the economy. The government has prepared a budget of IDR 372.3 trillion to boost people's purchasing power and consumption and accelerate national economic recovery.

In 2021, according to President Jokowi, the social protection program will continue. These programs are the Basic Food Card Program, the Family Hope Program, Cash Social Assistance, Pre-Employment Cards and Village Cash Direct Assistance.

"In addition, there are also incentives for health workers and provision of business incentives, including working capital assistance for MSMEs to be able to survive and move again," the President added.

The third message is for PGI to participate in maintaining the diversity of Indonesia. "Tolerance is a noble attitude in the face of diversity and unity will only emerge if we recognize and respect differences. Let us care for Indonesia together, we will continue to protect and practice the values of Pancasila," said the President.