Preventing Third Wave, Epidemiologist Asks Jokowi To Abandon Gas And Brake Concepts

President Joko Widodo (Photo: RI Cabinet Secretariat)

JAKARTA - University of Indonesia (UI) epidemiologist Pandu Riono asked President Joko Widodo to abandon the concept of gas and brakes that are often used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept is considered to give rise to diverse perspectives in the community and policy implementers.

The concept of gas and brakes is often used by the government to balance economic recovery and handling health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I think we should abandon the concept of gas and brakes," said Pandu in a discussion that was broadcast online on YouTube, Sunday, June 23.

Not only that, he highlighted the existence of two task forces within the Committee for COVID-19 Control and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN), namely the economic unit and the handling of COVID-19. "It's as if one brake and one gas. Well, the boss is gassing because the Minister of the Economy (Airlangga Hartarto)," he said.

"So it's like this, controlling the pandemic continues to be choppy. Don't let it become a third wave," added Pandu.

Furthermore, he assesses the economic and health sectors are two things that cannot be separated. "Because controlling the pandemic is part of economic recovery. Don't be contradictory," he stressed.

So, instead of applying brake gas which can be a bait for critics to criticize government policies, Pandu suggested the government to focus on strictly implementing the Micro Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM).

"Gas and brakes seem as if one accelerates the other slows down. So the fight continues. People who like to complain about the government's inconsistent policies are bait for Jokowi's critics. So we shouldn't give this kind of bait," he said. .

Previously reported, COVID-19 cases are currently increasing after the Eid 1442 Hijri holiday. In fact, data from the Ministry of Health as of Sunday, June 27, recorded the addition of 21,342 new cases.

In suppressing this contagion, the government then decided to thicken or strengthen the Implementation of Micro Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM). This policy was taken because it is considered the most appropriate because in its implementation it will not disrupt the community's economy.