12 Regions In Java-Bali Still PPKM Level 3

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia showed significant and controlled improvements at a low level even though there were still 12 districts/cities in Java-Bali at level 3 PPKM.

"Based on the assessment as of December 4, the number of regencies/cities remaining at level 3 is only 9.4 percent of the total regencies/cities in Java-Bali or only 12 regencies/cities," he said in a written statement quoted by Antara, Monday, December 6.

According to the Java-Bali PPKM Coordinator, Indonesia has so far managed to keep the daily number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 stable below 400 cases.

Likewise, active cases and the number of hospitalized patients have shown a downward trend in the past few days.

However, Luhut stressed that all parties need to increase vigilance, especially considering the emergence of a new variant of Omicron which has been confirmed in several countries.

The spread of Omicron Variants in various countries around the world is indicated to be faster and increase the possibility of reinfection.

However, preliminary findings from South Africa show that the severity and mortality rate of the Omicron variant is relatively under control, although it will take time and additional data to obtain more valid information.

"Travel conditions will still be tightened, especially at the border for passengers from abroad. However, the PPKM policy during the Nataru (Christmas and New Year) period will be made more balanced, accompanied by testing and tracing activities that continue to be intensified," he said.

Luhut also ensured that Indonesia's borders will still be tightened with the condition that passengers from abroad are negative PCR test results a maximum of 2x24 hours before departure, and quarantine for 10 days in Indonesia.

The implementation of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) in the Java-Bali region will still be extended until December 13, 2021.