PPKM Mikro is Best Measure to Take, President Jokowi Says

INDUSTRY.co.id - The Government has decided that micro-scale public activity restriction (PPKM) remains the best policy to curb the rate of COVID-19 transmission following the surge in the number of COVID-19 recently.

According to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the Government has received and considered suggestions from the public, including suggestions to implement large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) and lockdowns, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

Various options to control COVID-19 have also been well considered from different aspects, the President added.

“The Government has examined multiple options to manage COVID-19 by taking into account the economic, social, and political conditions in our country as well as other countries’ experience. And the Government has decided that micro-scale public activity restriction (PPKM) remains the best policy to curb the rate of COVID-19 transmission up until villages or to the root of the problem, communities,” he said.

According to the Head of State, micro-scale PPKM is still the most accurate policy to manage COVID-19 in the current situation as it is deemed efficient to control the pandemic without hurting economy. Both micro-scale PPKM and lockdown, he added, have the same essence, namely limiting public’s activity; thus, it should not be debated.

“Let me inform you that micro-scale PPKM and lockdown are essentially the same, to limit public activity. Therefore, there’s no need to debate it. If micro-scale PPKM is well implemented, measures taken are continued to be reinforced, the cases should be controlled,” he asserted.

However, the President pointed out that micro-scale PPKM is not implemented comprehensively, but only sporadically in certain places. Therefore, he urged all regional leaders to strengthen their commitment in implementing micro-scale PPKM more strictly.

“I urge governors, regents, and mayors to strengthen their commitment, to implement micro-scale PPKM more strictly. Do optimize COVID-19 posts that have been established in the respective villages or urban villages,” he said, adding that the main role of those posts is to boost the public’s discipline in observing 3M health protocols (wearing a mask, maintaining a safe distance, and washing hands).

“Discipline in (observing) 3M and strengthening 3T implementation (testing, tracing, and treatment) in villages are the key. Therefore, let us be more disciplined, more disciplined in facing this pandemic,” he said, while stressing that this epidemic is a real issue and anyone can contract it.

“This epidemic is a real issue. This disease knows no race or discrimination. Everyone, regardless their background, religion, and tribe, everyone can be infected. This disease does not care who we are. If we are not careful or disciplined in taking care of ourselves, we can be infected,” he said.

Hence, the President reminded the public that vaccination is important to achieve herd immunity and urged the public to get vaccinated as soon as they have the opportunity for the safety of all.

“Vaccine is currently the best available endeavor. We must achieve herd immunity to tackle the pandemic,” he said, while urging the public to remain disciplined in observing health protocols until herd immunity is achieved.

“And I am asking for one simple thing: stay at home if there is no urgency. Only together can we stop this epidemic. Everyone must take part. Every citizen must contribute. Without unity, we will never be able to stop the spread of COVID-19,” he remarked.