Hence, any decisions that we have taken are in a measured manner.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, at the Business Challenge 2022 webinar here on Wednesday, ensured that the quarantine policy applicable to state officials will be conducted in a measured manner.

The government will also apply discretion concerning the quarantine policy for certain needs, such as the COVID-19 bubble protocol for the 2022 G20 Summit event delegations and the G20 ministerial meeting in Bali, he noted.

Discretion regarding quarantine was also applied in connection with US Foreign Affairs Minister Antony Blinken's visit to Indonesia, he remarked.

Despite a risk posed in terms of discretion applied in quarantine, Pandjaitan ensured that the government had made thorough calculations to this end.

Moreover, foreign delegations were ensured to have undergone similar procedures before they arrive in the nation.

"Hence, any decisions that we have taken are in a measured manner," he affirmed.

The minister noted that Indonesia's COVID-19 handling had drawn praises from across the world. However, Pandjaitan has continued to remind people that the pandemic is far from over.

"I urge all of you to realize that we cannot be too happy since we managed to suppress the COVID-19 pandemic for 152 days because this is not yet over," he asserted.

According to Pandjaitan, if the number of COVID-19 cases continued to remain under control until next year, then Indonesia could enter the endemic stage.

However, the minister has continued to implore the public to maintain caution and implement stringent health protocols.

The strategy to restrict travelers from entering and exiting Indonesia was also applied to prevent the entry of the Omicron variant, he noted.

"While there is clear data that states Omicron is not a deadly virus, we still have to remain cautious," he emphasized.

Related news: Quarantine Indonesia's key to prevent Omicron: task force
Related news: International travel quarantine applicable to all: Vice minister
Related news: Omicron variant more contagious, but symptoms mild: minister

Translator: Ade irma Junida, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2021