We urge the government to take firm decisions. It is time to apply the emergency brake, and do not delay it again
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Central Executive Muhammadiyah, in a letter to President Joko Widodo seeking decisive steps in handling the COVID-19 pandemic following a recent case surge, called on the government to apply the emergency brake.

"We urge the government to take firm decisions. It is time to apply the emergency brake, and do not delay it again," Chairman of the Muhammadiyah COVID-19 Command Center Agus Samsudin noted in a statement monitored from Jakarta, Wednesday.

Muhammadiyah's request reflects a significant spike in cases in recent weeks, peaking on June 27, 2021, with 21,342 confirmed positive cases.


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Moreover, the occupancy rate of treatment rooms at almost all hospitals, especially in Java, had reached an average of over 90 percent. Additionally, self-isolation facilities outside healthcare facilities are still limited.

If it is not handled immediately, healthcare facilities in Indonesia would be unable to adequately cater to COVID-19 patients due to the dearth of treatment rooms, healthcare workers, and medical logistics, such as personal protective equipment, oxygen, and medicines.

"This is because hospitals are now facing tremendous pressure. We urge the government to also ensure the availability of personal protective equipment, oxygen, nursing rooms, and others at hospitals," he emphasized.

Several recommendations submitted by Muhammadiyah in handling the COVID-19 pandemic encompass urging the president to apply large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) stringently akin to that followed during the early days of the pandemic.

PSBB will be strictly implemented on the island of Java for the subsequent two to three weeks. Thereafter, the policy should be accompanied by impartial law enforcement and prosecution for those involved in hoax narratives. Moreover, the government must provide social security for residents impacted by the economic slowdown as long as the PSBB is being implemented.

"We understand that this will have a fairly severe economic impact, but at this time, we have faith that human life, humanity is the priority," he noted.
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