The COVID-19 Pandemic And The Emergency PPKM Period, Sandiaga Uno: Universities Under Kemenparekraf Encouraged To Become Vaccination Centers

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno emphasized that during the COVID-19 pandemic and Emergency PPKM, all parties must play a role in supporting the vaccination program promoted by the government. One of the targets is to accelerate the implementation of vaccinations by maximizing the existence of state tourism universities under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

"We will use whatever strength we have, including Poltekpar (Tourism Polytechnic) to become a vaccination center, because the first bulwark we can do against COVID-19 is vaccination as well as implementing strict and disciplined health protocols," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga. Uno, quoted from the official broadcast, Wednesday 7 July.

"We must remain confident that behind difficulties there will be ease. In the near future we will also pray together. Praying is also one way to increase our immunity," said Sandiaga

The Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Angela Tanoesoedibjo, said the same thing. He said that at this time we must also be able to remind each other's family and friends to remain careful. Stay active at home by following strict and disciplined health protocols.

"Stay careful for your family, take care of each other, and stay positive. Here we pray and support you always," said Angela.

Regarding the acceleration of vaccination implementation, Expert Staff for Crisis Management at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Henky Manurung, explained that in the near future vaccinations will be carried out at state universities under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

"Poltekpar Bandung which will cooperate with PHRI is also at Poltekpar Medan. Hopefully it can be implemented soon," said Henky Manurung.

On this occasion, Sandiaga and Angela encouraged employees at the ministry who are currently undergoing self-isolation or treatment due to COVID-19.

"I want to encourage all COVID-19 fighters to keep the spirit of undergoing self-isolation both at home and in health facilities. I always pray that the disease will be removed and healed. Prayer is our strength and I am sure the storm will pass soon so that it can recover and return to activities to revive tourism and the creative economy," said Sandiaga.

He gave encouragement and offered prayers so that employees as well as all the people who are currently struggling against COVID-19 to recover quickly. In the midst of the increasing spread of COVID-19, there were 129 employees of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy who were confirmed positive for COVID-19. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has implemented a 100 percent work from home policy.

Sandiaga Uno also shared a story when he and his wife, Nur Asia, underwent self-isolation due to being exposed to COVID-19 in December last year. Always think positively is one of the keys to increasing the body's immunity. In addition, coupled with a small exercise also bask in the morning sun.

"Build an atmosphere that evokes optimism. My wife and I actually get quality time when we have to self-isolate together at home. See photos of the past, or listen to songs when we were in college," said Sandiaga as reported by Antara.

The current government, said Sandiaga Uno, said he had taken steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by imposing Emergency PPKM on the islands of Java and Bali. It is hoped that the decrease in the level of community mobility will be able to realize a significant decrease in the number of active cases.

Illustration (ANTARA/HO)