Omicron Variants Appear In Several Countries, Jokowi: Anticipation And Mitigation Need To Be Prepared As Early As Possible

President Joko Widodo (Antara)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said policies to anticipate and mitigate various new variants of the Corona virus, such as Omicron or variant B.1.1.529, must be implemented as early as possible so as not to disrupt the structural reform program and national economic recovery.

"In addition to the old variants in several countries, new variants of the Omicron variant have emerged that must increase our vigilance. Anticipation and mitigation need to be prepared as early as possible," said President Jokowi during the submission of the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and the Book of Allocations for Transfers to Regions and Village Funds. 2022, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday, November 29.

President Jokowi reminded the ranks of the central and regional governments to remain vigilant about COVID-19 because the pandemic is not over yet. The spread of the Corona virus, the President emphasized, is still a threat to the world, including Indonesia.

Facing the uncertainty of the pandemic, the President emphasized that the 2022 State Budget is prepared as a fiscal instrument that is responsive, anticipatory, and also flexible. The 2022 APBN also accommodates various innovations and anticipates various changes that occur, but with good financial and administrative governance.

In addition, the President said that the 2022 APBN must also be able to encourage the revival of the national economy and continue the structural reform agenda. "The 2022 state budget has a central role," the President said, as quoted by Antara.

There are six main policy focuses in the 2022 State Budget. The six focuses are, first, continuing the COVID-19 control policy while still prioritizing the health sector. Second, maintaining the sustainability of social protection programs for the underprivileged and vulnerable communities. Then, the third focus is the improvement of superior Human Resources. The fourth focus is to continue the development of infrastructure and technology adaptability. Furthermore, the fifth focus is strengthening fiscal decentralization to increase and distribute welfare among regions.

"Sixth, continue budgeting reform by implementing zero-based budgeting so that spending is more efficient," said President Jokowi.

Also present at the handover of DIPA and the List of Transfer Allocations to Regions and Village Funds for 2022 were Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, then the leadership of high state institutions, including MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo, BPK Chairman Agung Firman Sampurna, National Police Chief Gen. Police Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Andika Perkasa, and cabinet ministers for Advanced Indonesia.