Nurhadi, in a statement received here on Thursday, noted that the policy aimed to thwart the risk of transmission of the new variant of COVID-19.
"The policy to stop the entry of foreigners from countries where cases of COVID-19 or new variants are still high is appropriate. The implementation must be consistent with tight supervision," he affirmed.
Indonesia's government had closed foreign visitor arrivals except those through the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, and Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado.
In addition, foreign visitors are mandated to undergo PCR tests thrice and quarantine for eight days.
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Nurhadi has called to apply the policy maximally and not allow foreign visitors or Indonesian citizens from abroad to enter without following the regulation to avoid risky implications.
He did acknowledge that the government's policy would impact business in the aviation sector.
"However, of course, we have to choose and prioritize the safety and health of our people," he emphasized.
According to Nurhadi, an improvement in the COVID-19 situation was observed in some areas. The indicators include changes in the level or severity of the spread of COVID-19 cases.
A few weeks ago, several regions were at level 4 of public activity restrictions (PPKM), which meant the daily COVID-19 case count in the area was high. Currently, the PPKM in some areas has been reduced to level 3 and even level 2 and level 1. Nurhadi assessed that a decline in the number of cases was partly due to the enforcement of the PPKM policy.
"Of course, this is a type of success for which we need to laud the government, although we must not be overly euphoric," he stated.
Nurhadi later noted that the government's policies would prove futile in the absence of public support. He is optimistic that the PPKM policy will be followed by community discipline in implementing health protocols.
According to Nurhadi, with the spirit of mutual cooperation and togetherness, Indonesia would be able to stem the spread of COVID-19.
"Application of strict health protocols by both the government and the public is very important as an effort to prevent the transmission and spread of the coronavirus," Nurhadi concluded.
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Translator: Boyke L W, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
