Indeed, the PPKM is difficult for us to implement. Nonetheless, such efforts are deemed necessary. The safety of the people comes first. Hence, the people's needs must be cared for in order to survive during this PPKM period
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Central Coordinator of the Nusantara Student Body (BEM Nusantara) Eko Pratama voiced support for the community activities restriction enforcement (PPKM) period being extended and the mass vaccination nationwide.

"Indeed, the PPKM is difficult for us to implement. Nonetheless, such efforts are deemed necessary. The safety of the people comes first. Hence, the people's needs must be cared for in order to survive during this PPKM period," Pratama noted here on Friday.

Pratama suggested that social aid for the people in need must be offered during the extended PPKM period apart from enforcing health protocols and conducting COVID-19 vaccinations.

The BEM Nusantara central coordinator called to prioritize informal workers and people, with average to low social economic status, as the government's social aid recipients.


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"I also urge the people to (apply) health protocols with discipline. Let us (apply) health protocols with discipline for the next three days to stem the spread of COVID-19, and the PPKM would then no longer be enforced," he emphasized.

He echoed the readiness of BEM Nusantara throughout the country to assist the government in allocating aid to the people in need.

"They engage in activities outside their homes because they need to eat. We cannot force the people to stay at home without a concrete solution," he affirmed.

BEM Nusantara was also ready to host vaccinations at campuses throughout Indonesia within their networks as was conducted in Jakarta and several other regions.

"We all must unite and work together and exercise control in order to enforce health protocols with discipline," he asserted.

President Joko Widodo announced the extension of the PPKM period until July 25, 2021, and would be lifted gradually if the number of COVID-19 cases were to decrease thereafter.


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Translator: Feru Lantara, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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