Don't Want To Miss The Mu And Lambda Variants Entering Indonesia, Luhut: We Don't Want To Repeat The Mistake

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menkomarves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that Indonesia was at risk of another spike in COVID-19, even though the current case had slowed.

This is because the new variant of COVID-19 has entered a number of neighboring countries, followed by an increase in cases, such as the Delta, Mu and Lambda variants. Luhut admitted that he did not want Indonesia to be missed due to the entry of the new variant.

"One of the risks comes from abroad, especially considering the high number of COVID-19 cases in neighboring countries. We also don't want to miss the entry of new variants, such as Mu and Lambda, into Indonesia," said Luhut in a virtual press conference, Monday, September 20.

A few months ago, Indonesia experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant entering the country. Luhut admitted that this happened because the government made a mistake in not restricting the entrance of travelers from abroad.

"This we learn from past events where we also made mistakes, we don't want to repeat those mistakes," said Luhut.

Therefore, Luhut said the government would limit the entrance of international travel to Indonesia and tighten the quarantine process for foreign nationals and Indonesians who came from abroad.

"Especially for the air entrance, it is only opened in Jakarta and Manado, for the sea only in Batam and Tanjung Pinang and for the land route it can only be opened in Aruk, Entikong, Nunukan and Motaain," he said.

Then, the quarantine process is also carried out strictly without exception with a quarantine time of 8 days and PCR for 3 times.

"In addition, the government is also increasing quarantine and testing capacity, especially at land entrances. The TNI and Polri will be tasked with increasing surveillance on rat routes, both on land and at sea," he concluded.