Omicron Variant Haunted, Puan Maharani Asks For Extra Strict Supervision

JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government to tighten supervision over the implementation of the new quarantine rules in Indonesia, which had just been established in anticipation of the entry of the new variant of the COVID-19 virus, the Omicron variant. Extra tight supervision needs to be carried out as a step to mitigate the spread of the Omicron variant into the country.

"Tighten the supervision of quarantine rules for travelers from abroad, considering the Omicron cases have occurred in a number of countries outside Africa. Quarantine tightening also needs to be carried out for all suspects as an effort for early detection and prevention of the entry of new variants of Corona in Indonesia," said Puan, Monday, November 29.

Variant B.1.1529 Omicron was first discovered in Botswana, South Africa, but now a number of African countries and Hong Kong have started reporting cases of this variant. Puan also supports the government's policy of temporarily closing the door for foreigners who have a travel history from these countries, and increasing the duration of quarantine for foreigners from outside the country and also Indonesian citizens who want to return to the country.

“Quarantine rules should not only be good on paper, but must be implemented. Therefore, extra supervision is needed to avoid imported cases. We don't want Indonesia's condition, which has improved, to worsen again due to lack of mitigation," explained Puan.

The first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives also gave her appreciation to the government for temporarily banning travel from a number of countries in Africa. Puan said, this step was in anticipation of the entry of a new variant of Corona which was enough to make people worried.

“The government's quick response from various elements of society must be balanced with strict supervision at various entrances to Indonesia. Both land borders, sea ports and airports," said Puan Maharani.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made the omicron variant a variant of concern (VoC) which means it is included in the category of the most troubling COVID-19. Puan reminded that Indonesia must continue to coordinate and synergize with international stakeholders, including WHO, in order to increase understanding of Omicron, especially on how to control it.

"Although Omicron is not yet known whether it is more dangerous than the Delta variant, Indonesia must be prepared. Monitoring the risk of this variant should have been done," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture. "Indonesia is now better, don't concede again like in the middle of last year. Hospitals were full, medicine was difficult, oxygen supply was lacking, and many victims died. Pity the health workers who are tired," continued Puan.

The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is said to have a faster transmission rate, then reduces the severity, and has the ability to trick the body's immune system so that it cannot be detected. Even so, Puan asked the public not to panic. "The most important thing is to always apply health protocols. There's no need to be afraid as long as we don't slack prokes. And for residents who have not been vaccinated, vaccinate as soon as possible so they are not easily exposed to the virus," he urged.

Vaccination is known to be one of the answers in dealing with the new type of Corona. Therefore, the acceleration of the vaccination program in Indonesia is absolutely necessary.

Puan also emphasized the importance of equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine globally, as she has conveyed in a number of international forums. Moreover, the emergence of the Omicron variant is said to be due to a lack of vaccination in Africa so that the Corona virus mutation finally appeared.

"The even distribution of vaccines must be a global concern because the Omicron variant that is included in the variant of concern could be the impact of the global uneven distribution of vaccinations," said Puan Maharani.

Previously, when speaking at the 143rd IPU forum on Saturday, November 27, Puan reminded how important it is to spread the spread of COVID-19 vaccination. This is considered necessary to become an international agenda. "We must work together to achieve vaccine equality for everyone and everywhere," said Puan Maharani.