Jakarta (ANTARA) - The implementation of Micro-scale Community Activity Restrictions (Micro-scale PPKM) is still effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19, Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, Abdul Halim Iskandar, has said.



"Micro-scale PPKM is still the most effective policy to stop the spread of COVID-19 at the village level without stopping the people's economy," he said in a written statement received here on Thursday.



He said that governors, regents, and mayors have strengthened their commitment to enforce the implementation of the restrictions.



The minister said he has also asked regional heads to optimize the functioning of COVID-19 posts in villages or sub-district areas to promote community discipline in implementing the 3M protocols (wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining safe distance) as well as to help strengthen the government's efforts to control COVID-19 through testing, tracing, and treatment.


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Vaccination is the government's best option for controlling the pandemic and achieving herd immunity against COVID-19, he pointed out.



"No one should refuse vaccines. Come to the vaccination site immediately if there is no urgent activity at home," he urged the public.



In the meantime, village funds used for handling COVID-19 have reached 3.87 trillion Indonesian rupiah as of June 24, 2021.



Volunteer posts funded by village funds have been established in 30,420 villages, with 17,283 villages preparing isolation rooms and 43,772 bed units for COVID-19 patients, the minister said.



As of June 24, 2021, 242,297 villagers have been exposed to COVID-19, with 212,068 people recovering and 8,982 people succumbing to the virus, according to the ministry’s records. Meanwhile, 28,492 villagers are undergoing treatment for COVID-19.



The ministry said that the 2021 village fund allocation for Village Cash Intensive Work (PKTD) as of June 24 has reached Rp2.02 trillion for 15,496 villages.



Meanwhile, budget allocation for Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) has reached Rp1.47 trillion for 66,041 villages with Beneficiary Families (KPM) reaching 4,909,154 people. (INE)



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Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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