"Even though we have managed to control the pandemic, we have to be careful, cautious of the possible risk of an infection surge because of the Omicron variant, as previously said by Mrs. Mega (Megawati Sukarnoputri, Chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle)," he said at the commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle held virtually, Monday.
The President's remarks at the State Palace were preluded by a speech by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Chairman.
Indonesia is currently one of the five countries with the highest vaccination rate globally. As of the beginning of this year, Indonesia has succeeded in administering 288 million vaccine doses to the public, he added.
"Vaccinations have also been expedited. We know that Indonesia is in the top 5 in terms of vaccination (rate) in the world. The first dose (coverage) has reached 81.7 percent and the second dose has reached 56.1 percent, and 29 provinces out of 34 provinces have achieved more than 70 percent first dose coverage," he said.
Additionally, as of January 9, 2022, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia has fallen by 99 percent, with the number of daily cases pegged at 529, which is significantly smaller compared to around 56 thousand daily cases recorded in July 2021, he pointed out.
He said he believes that the COVID-19 pandemic must not hinder efforts to improve people's lives. Besides pandemic control, the government has been paying attention to challenges in human resources development, such as stunting or growth disorders in children, he added.
"Thank God, the stunting rate in 2021 has dropped to 24.4 percent from 37.2 percent seven years ago," Jokowi said.
The government, he said, is also guaranteeing people's access to educational facilities. It is providing assistance ranging from basic education to tertiary education to underprivileged communities.
"In 2021, Smart Indonesia Cards (program) had a budget of Rp11 trillion for 21 million students throughout the country. Smart Indonesia Cards for Higher Education with a budget of Rp 9.4 trillion were also given to 1.1 million students in the country in 2021," he elaborated.
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
