Claimed Sloping COVID-19 Curve, Jokowi: Don't Feel Safe

President Joko Widodo (Photo: Cabinet Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is still happening in the country. He asked all parties without exception, not to be careless and underestimate the spread of this virus.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is still real in our country. Therefore, we must remain vigilant. We must not be careless, we must not underestimate the name COVID," said President Jokowi in a video uploaded on the YouTube account of the Presidential Secretariat, Sunday, May 2.

He said that currently the COVID-19 transmission curve had also decreased. This has happened, since the implementation of restrictions on micro community activities (PPKM) in Java-Bali and a number of other provinces.

This decrease is also in line with the increasing number of cases of cure and the reduction of daily cases. However, Jokowi said, all these successes should not make all parties complacent and have excessive optimism.

"Don't be complacent yet, don't be overly optimistic. Don't feel the situation is under control and don't feel safe. Not yet," he said.

He said all efforts to suppress active cases must be made by all parties.

In addition, discipline in carrying out health protocols must also be carried out even though the vaccine program is now underway. This is because, from the current reduction in the transmission rate of COVID-19, economic growth has shown a positive impact.

"I see this momentum we must protect together," he said.

Furthermore, in maintaining this momentum, President Jokowi asked regional heads to continue to remind the public. This includes synergizing with the central government to prohibit its citizens from going home on Eid Al-Fitr.

"Once again I emphasize, the number one priority remains public safety and health," he said.

"Obey health protocols. Don't be careless, don't underestimate, and stay alert. Together, God willing, we will be able to overcome these tough tests and trials," he concluded.