COVID-19 Cases Rise, Puan Asks The Government To Apply Health Screening At Airports

UNSPLASH ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani asked the government to take seriously the spike in COVID-19 cases in several countries in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

He asked the government to re-implement strict health screenings at all international airports, especially for passengers from countries with an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Puan emphasized that the increase in COVID-19 cases must be watched out for by the Government by taking measured steps to protect the public, especially since the trend of cases of this virus in Indonesia is also reported to be increasing. According to him, early detection is the main key to preventing the spread of the virus from being wider.

"The increase in COVID-19 cases that occurred in the Asian region clearly cannot be taken lightly. The government must have a high sense of urgency and must not be careless," said Puan Maharani, Wednesday, June 4.

"We must not only rely on loose advice or protocols. Health checks and strict contact tracing at the entrance to the country must be carried out consistently," he continued.

Puan also reminded the government to ensure national health resilience following the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

In addition to taking anticipatory steps, the Government needs to ensure that Indonesia has strong health resilience. So that when the worst scenario occurs, we are ready and can overcome it," continued Puan.

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) as of Monday, June 2, reported the findings of 7 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of 72 patients throughout 2025. The Ministry of Health also reported that the current COVID-19 positivity rate rose to 2.05 percent, from the previous one which was below 1 percent.

In the 17th to 19th week of this year, the Ministry of Health saw an increase in cases in Banten, Jakarta and East Java Provinces. The most increases were recorded in the first week of January 2025 with 27 cases. The trend of COVID-19 cases in Indonesia is also said to have increased in the 21st week from the previous week with a presentation of 0 percent to 5 percent.

Regarding the weekly report of the Ministry of Health regarding the increase in positive cases of COVID-19, Puan said the finding of the case was a momentum to strengthen the country's early detection system and health system.

"Of course, the Government must increase testing and tracking capacity, ensure adequate distribution of booster vaccines, and strengthen public education and communication consistently and transparently," said Puan.

The Ministry of Health has issued a circular numbered SR.03.01/C/1422/2025 which was published on Friday, May 23, 2025. The letter states that the dominant COVID-19 variants spreading in Thailand are XEC and JN.1, in Singapore LF.7 and NB.1.8 (JN.1 derivative), in Hong Kong JN.1, and in Malaysia is XEC (JN.1 derivative). While the dominant variant circulating in Indonesia is MB.1.1.

In the circular, the Ministry of Health also explained that the circular was aimed at increasing COVID-19 vigilance and potential KLB (Extraordinary Events)/other outbreaks for the Health Office, UPT for Health Quarantine, UPT for Community Health Laboratory, health service facilities and stakeholders.

In addition to domestic surveillance, Puan also encourages the importance of the active role of Indonesian representatives abroad, especially in Asian countries with a spike in cases. Puan asked representatives of the Republic of Indonesia to be responsive to reports or complaints from Indonesian citizens who are facing health risks related to COVID-19.

"Our representatives abroad must be at the forefront of providing protection and assistance. They must act quickly when there are residents who report emergency conditions or need help," he said.

Puan also asked the government to strengthen coordination across ministries, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the COVID-19 Task Force, to ensure that the supervision and protection of Indonesian citizens abroad runs effectively.

"This is not just a matter of case numbers, but a matter of life and public health. The government must work without compromise to maintain the safety of the people, both at home and abroad," said Puan.

On the other hand, Puan appealed to the public to remain disciplined in maintaining their own health and re-enforce health protocols, such as wearing masks when sick or in crowds. In addition, do independent tests during symptoms, and maintain adequate nutritional and rest intake.

Puan also hopes that there will be no excessive concerns regarding the increase in COVID-19 cases in Asia. According to her, the early experience of the 2020 pandemic should be used as a lesson so that a quick response can be done without waiting for a spike in major cases.

"We don't know when the next wave will come and how big the impact will be, but what is clear is that the synergy between the government and the community is the key," said Puan.