"The tightening and relaxing of public movement restrictions, for instance, must be imposed on a weekly basis with reference to the current data. It may be perceived as an ever-changing policy, an inconsistent policy," President Jokowi noted in his state address at the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and a Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) at the parliamentary complex, Jakarta, on Monday.
In fact, President Jokowi deemed it imperative to tighten and relax restrictions on public movements to strike the best balance between public health and economic interests.
"Since the virus constantly transforms and mutates, handling should be done with adaptive strategies," he emphasized.
President Jokowi believes that the COVID-19 pandemic had also necessitated finding a balanced policy to strike a right balance between health and economic interests.
"In making decisions, the government must stay abreast of the latest data and science and technology developments," he affirmed.
According to the head of state, the government should be responsive to the developing day-to-day situations, albeit with caution.
"Policy objectives and directions must be followed consistently. However, strategies and management on the ground must be dynamically consistent with problems and challenges," the president noted.
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Jokowi also acknowledged that the inevitable tightening of public movement restrictions had prompted the government to offer more social assistance as compared to normal situations.
The government has ramped up several social assistance programs: the Family Hope Program, Basic Food Cards, Electricity Discount, Wage Subsidy, Productive Micro Business Assistance, Village Fund Cash Assistance, and Pre-Employment Card Program.
"Internet data subsidy offered in regions where restrictions are in place has also been increased to the maximum possible extent for education staff, schools, and students pursuing higher education as well as for school and university teachers," he affirmed.
Although the government currently focuses on tackling health problems, the president emphasized that attention to the agendas on realizing an Advanced Indonesia had not been overlooked in the slightest.
"Development of quality human resources remains a priority. Completion of infrastructure development to lower logistics costs, to build from the periphery, and to unite Indonesia continue to be pursued," Jokowi affirmed.
According to the president, structural reform to strengthen inclusive and sustainable economic development remained the main agenda.
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Translator: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
