"When we determine the social-economic sectors, these health requirements are surely prioritized," Special Staff for Connectivity, Services Development, and Natural Resources from the Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, Raden Edi Prio Pambudi, remarked during a press conference of the Task Force for Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling in Jakarta, Thursday.
Pambudi highlighted the need for policies concerning COVID-19 handling and economic recovery to go hand-in-hand and be implemented effectually.
"Quite akin to two sides to a coin. This means they need to go hand-in-hand and effectively, as spread of the virus had halted business activities that surely impacted socio-economic conditions," he stated.
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Hence, to ascertain that economic activities can be conducted smoothly, health protocols should continually be implemented and upheld, as the key prerequisite to continue such activities.
"It means that we keep track of the risks in data gathering, and then, we also look at the health and socio-economic aspects," he noted.
The implementation of health protocols does not solely apply in the general context, but a deeper mechanism should also be in place for applying them in each sector owing to diverse characteristics in the economic activities they conduct.
He also stressed that discipline in applying health protocols should take precedence over others.
"Even if (economic sectors) are opened, several requirements should be met. In this case, how to inculcate measures for health maintenance as a day-to-day habit, including wearing masks and other steps. These must be applied," he emphasized.
Furthermore, other aspects that encouraged revival of the nine sectors include the fact that they are projected to not hold the potential risk of transmission. These sectors are also viewed as significantly contributing to the economy and employment.
"Another most important consideration is that these sectors have broad direct links with other sectors. For instance, the transportation of goods. Areas, including agriculture and industry, are also benefited," he pointed out.
Economic sectors to be opened for the recovery of economic activities include mining, oil, industry, construction, plantation, agriculture, animal farming, fisheries, logistics, and transportation of goods.
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Translator: Katriana/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Sri Haryati
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