Jokowi Believes That Indonesia Will Rise From COVID-19 In 2021

President Joko Widodo (Photo: BPMI Setpres)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo is optimistic that Indonesia will rise from the COVID-19 pandemic and be able to innovate economic growth when entering 2021.

According to him, the economic recovery in Indonesia is gradually improving. This can be seen from the economic conditions in the third quarter of -3.49 percent from -5.32 percent in the second quarter. The fourth quarter is predicted to be even better.

"New investments are starting to emerge that will drive the economy of society and industry in the future. So that job opportunities will increase and people's welfare will be better," Jokowi said in a YouTube broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, Thursday, December 31.

However, that does not mean the problem is over. Jokowi said, there is one most important condition that must be done to achieve economic recovery. The prerequisite is to be successful in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We must be able to stop this outbreak immediately. It is something that is not easy. Therefore the government will continue to work hard, controlling the COVID-19 case," he said.

Besides that, the vaccination process also shows a bright spot. By the end of this year, Indonesia has brought in 3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The fulfillment of vaccines will also be completed in the following year.

"Vaccination will also be carried out soon in mid-January 2021 to achieve herd immunity, communal immunity, so that we can stop the spread of COVID-19," he explained.

Furthermore, Jokowi asked all citizens to remain disciplined in overcoming the spread of COVID-19 cases. All parties must adhere to health protocols by wearing masks, maintaining distance and washing hands.

"Don't be careless, don't underestimate it. With public health recovering, world confidence increasing, economic recovery will occur in 2021," he concluded.