Jokowi: We Can't Make The Same Long-Term Restriction Policy

President Jokowi (Presidential Secretariat Youtube)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed the reason for the policy of limiting community activities cannot be made with a long duration. This is why policies for handling the COVID-19 pandemic often change.

He said this policy change was made in line with the development of handling COVID-19.

"We cannot make the same policy (restrictions, ed) in a long duration. We must determine the degree of community mobility according to the data of the last days so that our choices are right, both for health and the economy," said Jokowi in a video caption that was broadcast on Presidential Secretariat YouTube, Monday, August 2nd.

Even so, Jokowi reminded that any policies made by the government must of course be accompanied by the implementation of health protocols. According to him, the implementation of the protocol to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is important and is the key and one of the main pillars.

"In any situation, discipline in carrying out health procedures is the key to people's health and livelihoods," said Jokowi.

In addition to implementing health protocols, the former governor of DKI Jakarta also said that there are other pillars to handle COVID-19. First, the speed of COVID-19 vaccination, especially in areas that are centers of mobility and economic activity.

Next, carry out tracing, testing, and treatment activities. "This includes maintaining the bed occupancy rate (BOR), adding centralized isolation facilities, and ensuring the availability of medicines and oxygen supply," said Jokowi.

The President reminded the public not to slack off in implementing these main pillars even though COVID-19 cases have decreased. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic tends to be dynamic and fluctuating.

"Once again, we must continue to be vigilant in making efforts to control COVID-19 cases," he said.

"COVID-19 is a challenge that we must face together through our efforts and hard work as well as our sacrifices in undergoing this activity restriction, God willing, we will soon be free from the pandemic," concluded Jokowi.