Jokowi Asks All His Men To Face COVID-19 One Frequency At The End Of The Year

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo asked all levels of ministries and institutions to maintain the same frequency in the face of a potential spike in COVID-19 at the end of this year.

This was conveyed when chairing a limited meeting on the evaluation of PPKM with Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, ministers, and heads of institutions at the presidential office, Central Jakarta.

"I ask all ministries and institutions, the frequency is the same in facing this December 2021," said Jokowi as seen on the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube video, Monday, November 22.

Jokowi said that currently the average number of cases of COVID-19 in all European countries has increased. Therefore, he asked his staff to coordinate optimally to anticipate the increase in cases.

"Don't get caught up in sectoral egos. Prioritize cooperation, prioritize coordination, so that it appears that we have the same frequency," said Jokowi.

Specifically to Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Jokowi asked the Ministry of Health to ensure the readiness of hospitals in the event of a surge in COVID-19 patients after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

"I ask the Minister of Health to take anticipatory steps to ensure the readiness of hospitals in the event of a spike in sick patients during late December and early January 2022, especially mapping the situation and especially in areas that have the potential to increase cases," he explained.

Furthermore, Jokowi instructed that the COVID-19 vaccination could cover 70 percent of the population by the end of the year. Jokowi asked his staff to be proactive in coming to the community to participate in the vaccination program, especially for the elderly.

"I see the door to door carried out by BIN is good because those who are vaccinated are elderly. We hope for local governments who are still low on vaccinations, to be given special assistance," said Jokowi.