In a statement received in Jakarta, Saturday, Moeldoko called on the public to desist from harboring pessimism and steer clear from doubting Indonesia's ability to surmount over the COVID-19 crisis.
"In any case, pessimism will never solve the problem. Pessimism pushes our creative brain into a state of deadlock and sucks out our energy," Moeldoko noted in the statement.
Moeldoko also requested all parties to forego differences and personal interests and instead contemplate on matters that can contribute to the nation’s progress.
"The government is not anti-criticism, but for now, let us join the criticism with solutions. Help us think and help us save society. Let us move together for recovery together," he emphasized.
In order to reduce the rate of transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the community, President Joko Widodo on Thursday (July 1) announced the policy of Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) to be implemented in 122 regencies and cities in Java and Bali during the period from July 3 to July 20.
During the implementation of Emergency PPKM, community activities in the employment, education, transportation, tourism, and other sectors will be limited.
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The government will also impose sanctions on violators of the Emergency PPKM regulations in accordance with the Communicable Disease Outbreak Law and the Health Quarantine Act.
“Emergency PPKM is one of the government's scenarios to suppress the spread. The mobility of people without symptoms (OTG) can be controlled, as those with OTG status are the ones who pose a danger in spreading the virus,” Moeldoko cautioned.
Moeldoko highlighted the government’s endeavors to handle the pandemic from all fronts, in terms of budget reallocation, providing additional beds for patients, supplying oxygen, making efforts to accelerate vaccines, and taking decisive action against violators of Emergency PPKM as well as drug and oxygen hoarders.
Moeldoko admitted to the implementation of PPKM being replete with challenges. Based on the government’s monitoring, the level of community mobility during the Emergency PPKM period had only declined by 30 percent.
Meanwhile, Emergency PPKM will only be deemed as successful if it is able to reduce mobility by 50 percent.
"Hence, the government will continue to stringently apply the Emergency PPKM until July 20," Moeldoko stated.
Moeldoko emphasized that public compliance is the key to recovery from the pandemic.
He invited the public to strictly adhere to the Emergency PPKM.
Moeldoko noted that the government's policy to pull the emergency brake will have an impact on the economy of the community, but it is a difficult choice to be made for the sake of community safety and mutual recovery.
"Indonesia is recovering because of me, Indonesia is recovering because of you, and Indonesia is recovering because of us," Moeldoko affirmed.
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Translator: Rangga J, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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