Omicron Variant Appears In Singapore, Jokowi Warns Police At Borders: Those Who Carry The Virus Can Be Foreigners But Can Be Indonesian Citizens

Photo: BPMI Setpres / Laily Rachev

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) asked all parties to be vigilant in dealing with the spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 which is getting closer to the country. Recently, he said that this new variant has entered Singapore.

"Be careful this morning, I received news (the Omicron variant, ed) has arrived in Singapore," said Jokowi when delivering his directive to the Head of Regional Units which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube, Friday, December 3.

He said, Indonesia is currently experiencing a decline in cases. However, he asked all parties to be vigilant, especially for law enforcement officers stationed in border areas.

This is important to do to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant and the further wave of COVID-19 transmission in the country. "Especially the Regional Police who are on guard with other countries' borders," said the former governor of DKI Jakarta.

"Because the people who brought (COVID-19, ed) could be foreigners, Caucasians but also our own Indonesian citizens, especially our workers from outside when re-entering their hometown. Be careful," added Jokowi.

He said the Omicron variant has entered 29 countries and based on the study results it is more contagious than the Delta variant. Not only that, Jokowi said, this variant can break through antibodies produced from vaccines and previous infections.

"Although it is not final, it is estimated that it is 5 times faster and it is also possible that it can escape immunity. This means that it can enter the sidelines of our already immune antibodies," he said.

So, he asked all parties to be prepared and always be vigilant. Moreover, if this variant spreads in the country, it can have an impact on the economy which is starting to grow.

This preparation, continued Jokowi, could be done by tightening vaccination. Moreover, currently the number of vaccines received by the public is still far from 70 percent because the recipients of the first dose are only 67.8 percent while those who have completed two doses are only 46.9 percent.

"It is still far from our desire to enter the first dose, the second dose has reached 70 percent. This still requires hard work," he said.

"The National Police Chief and all ranks and the TNI Commander and all ranks of this vaccination will be completed immediately. As soon as possible. This means that it will continue to be intensified," concluded Jokowi.