LIVE: Konferensi Pers Presiden Joko Widodo terkait Pencabutan PPKM, Istana Negara, 30 Desember 2022

Summary

In this address, the President of Indonesia outlines the successful management of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the balance between health protocols and economic recovery. Key statistics show the pandemic is under control, with low case numbers and high vaccination coverage. As of December 2022, the government lifts PPKM restrictions while urging continued vigilance, especially regarding health protocols like mask-wearing and vaccinations. Despite global concerns about new variants, Indonesia remains resilient with high immunity levels. The government also assures that social assistance and health services will continue, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for future challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia has successfully controlled the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained economic stability through a balanced approach of health and economic policies.
• 😀 As of December 2022, Indonesia's COVID-19 situation is under control, with daily cases at 1.7 per million people, positivity rate at 3.35%, and a low ICU occupancy rate.
• 😀 The government has decided to lift the PPKM (community activity restrictions), as all regions in Indonesia are currently at PPKM level 1, indicating low crowd and mobility restrictions.
• 😀 Despite the lifting of PPKM, the government urges continued caution, including wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces and promoting vaccination awareness.
• 😀 The government has ensured that social assistance (Bansos) will continue even after the PPKM is lifted, including the availability of vitamins, medicines, and tax incentives.
• 😀 Indonesia is one of the four G20 countries that has not experienced a new pandemic wave for over 10 months, due to high immunity levels in the population.
• 😀 Immunity levels in Indonesia have reached over 98%, and vaccination coverage is extensive, with over 448 million doses administered as of the end of 2022.
• 😀 The government has conducted a thorough evaluation, including scientific studies and expert input, before deciding to lift the PPKM to ensure it is safe.
• 😀 The government does not plan to introduce new health restrictions like mandatory PCR tests for travelers, citing strong immunity levels and previous success in managing variants like Omicron.
• 😀 Although the government has lifted PPKM, the state of health emergency is still in effect, as the pandemic has not been fully eradicated worldwide, and Indonesia will follow global health recommendations.

Q & A

Why did the Indonesian government decide to lift the PPKM regulations?

The government decided to lift the PPKM regulations because COVID-19 cases in Indonesia were under control, with key indicators such as daily cases, positivity rates, hospital occupancy, and mortality rates all below WHO standards. The high community immunity, as indicated by surveys, also contributed to the decision.

What precautions are still encouraged despite the lifting of PPKM?

Despite lifting PPKM, the government encourages continued vigilance. Public health measures like wearing masks in crowded and enclosed spaces, maintaining awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, and ongoing vaccination, including boosters, are still recommended.

How is Indonesia’s community immunity linked to the decision to lift PPKM?

Indonesia’s community immunity played a critical role in the decision to lift PPKM. A survey showed that 98.5% of the population had sufficient immunity against COVID-19, making it safe to remove restrictions while still monitoring the situation.

What assistance will the government continue to provide after PPKM is lifted?

Even after PPKM is lifted, the government will continue to provide social assistance, vaccines (including boosters), medicines, and other support measures like tax incentives to ensure public safety and help mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.

How does the government ensure the availability of healthcare during this transition period?

The government has ensured that healthcare facilities remain on standby, with sufficient medical resources and healthcare workers ready to respond to any future COVID-19 challenges. The National and regional COVID-19 task forces will continue to monitor and respond to outbreaks during the transition.

What is the status of Indonesia’s COVID-19 vaccination program?

Indonesia’s COVID-19 vaccination program is progressing well, with over 448 million doses administered. The government has also secured additional domestic vaccine supplies to maintain vaccination coverage, including booster doses.

What are the government’s plans for addressing the potential for COVID-19 surges after the new year?

The government plans to maintain vigilance, monitoring COVID-19 developments both domestically and globally. Given that some countries are still experiencing COVID-19 surges, Indonesia will continue to prioritize public health measures, including monitoring travel and vaccination rates, to prevent a resurgence.

How did the government respond to concerns about international COVID-19 cases, particularly from China?

The government has taken a cautious approach, with a focus on the high community immunity in Indonesia. There are no plans to impose PCR testing at airports, as Indonesia’s immunity levels and surveillance systems are considered adequate to manage risks from travelers, including those from countries experiencing surges like China.

What is the government's stance on the Omnibus Law and the lifting of PPKM?

The lifting of PPKM is based on health data, with the government emphasizing that the pandemic situation in Indonesia is under control. The Omnibus Law (Perpu Cipta Kerja) was announced on the same day but addresses economic concerns, aiming to provide legal certainty and support investment, especially in light of global economic uncertainty.

Why is the status of the public health emergency not being lifted with the removal of PPKM?

The public health emergency status is not being lifted because the pandemic has not fully ended globally, and the situation remains uncertain. The decision to retain the emergency status aligns with international health guidelines, particularly from the WHO.