DPR Values Jokowi's 'Gas And Brake' Kick To Face COVID-19, But Success Is In The Hands Of The Community

Murals in Indonesia to encourage others to face the COVID-19 pandemic. (Between)

JAKARTA - Member of the House of Representatives Rahmad Handoyo assesses that the 'gas and brake' stance implemented by the Government of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic is appropriate. However, its success rate certainly depends on community support.

"The president has also asked 'let's wear masks again'. The booster vaccine is a requirement for public transportation and activities to enter malls and offices. It is hoped that public participation in getting vaccinated will increase," said Rahmad in Jakarta, Friday, July 22.

For this reason, Rahmad invites the public to increase their awareness of the spread of COVID-19 following the outbreak of the BA 2.75 subvariant in the country.

"Indeed, in terms of the fatality rate, the impact of the BA 2.75 subvariance is not severe, but it will still be risky for those who have not been vaccinated. So we must remain more careful," he said, according to Antara.

He also invited all parties to continue implementing health protocols, participating in complete vaccines, and implementing a healthy lifestyle.

Rahmad also asked the public to increase their enthusiasm for being vaccinated, because public awareness of being vaccinated and implementing health protocols has recently been decreasing.

Furthermore, Rahmad asked the public not to worry too much but to carry on with their activities as usual because the important thing is to apply extra vigilance. "The spread of BA 2.75 is higher, but no more dangerous than the Omicron and Delta variants."

"Stay careful, discipline the process, and follow the vaccine," he continued.

Rahmad also reminded the public not to assume that COVID-19 is no longer there or is not dangerous. Abroad, he said, the increase in cases could be hundreds of thousands per day. This happened because some countries had extraordinary relaxations so that people were free to wear masks and no longer apply health procedures.

He said that such an increase in cases should not occur in Indonesia.

"I think the PPKM policy is still feasible. Nationally, it is still an emergency, I don't know when the pandemic will end. Don't follow other countries that are already free. Keep protecting other people with prokes, until this disease can really be suppressed," he said.