The Trend Of COVID-19 In Indonesia Increases, Luhut Blames Foreign Travel Actors: Bring Lots Of Omicron

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that Indonesia is currently experiencing an upward trend in COVID-19 cases.

Luhut said the increase in cases was caused by foreign travelers who came to Indonesia and were confirmed positive for COVID-19. Some of them tested positive for the Omicron variant.

In fact, since the beginning Luhut said the government had asked the public to refrain from visiting abroad.

"I don't think the government is wrong to pay special attention since the beginning of last Christmas and New Year. Yesterday, it is evident that many of these travelers have returned with many problems regarding the Omicron," Luhut said in a virtual press conference, Monday, January 10.

The confirmed cases of PPLN also dominate the proportion of daily cases, causing an increase in active cases and patient care in Java-Bali, which is again caused by foreign travellers.

For example, in Jakarta, the daily increase in COVID-19 reached 393 cases on January 9, nearly 300 of which were caused by foreign travellers.

"Once again, we ask our friends to refrain from traveling abroad unless it is very, very important," said Luhut.

It is known, the Ministry of Health noted that there are currently 414 cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 or Omicron in Indonesia as of January 8. The majority of cases are travelers from abroad.