"The new normal is hope. It is not something too complicated," he stated during a virtual discussion on Indonesia's new normal held by the National Board of Advanced Indonesia Movement in Jakarta, Saturday.
Kalla affirmed that this year, the people were unable to go about their usual activities at the workplace, markets, shopping malls, places of worship, and other public facilities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public was left with no choice but to limit activities and adapt to the unprecedented circumstances by inculcating new habits to prevent the spread of COVID-19 that had led to a health crisis in several parts of the world.
Kalla expounded that in the new normal scenario, the people can revert to working in their offices, conducting learning activities at schools, and going about their daily activities by still adhering to the health protocols and being cognizant of the risks of the virus spread.
"Hence, we are not coexisting (with the virus), but we are living in awareness," he remarked.
The Indonesian Red Cross leader stated that transitioning to a new normal in Indonesia cannot be conducted simultaneously, as the country has several islands, with varying levels of COVID-19 infections, as well as different social and traditional conditions.
"For instance, implementation in Jakarta and Surabaya will differ from that in other areas, with lower infection rates," he pointed out. Related news: Juanda International Airport ready to implement new normal rules
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Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar/Aria Cindyar
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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