All relaxation policies should be implemented cautiously and health factors be prioritized for transition to an endemic stage.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives' (DPR's) speaker, Puan Maharani, supports the government's policies to transition to normal activities after the COVID-19 pandemic is over, albeit pressed for the implementation to be conducted carefully.

For instance, one of the implemented policies is removal of the antigen or PCR test as a condition for domestic travel, including for land, air, and sea transportation.

"The removal of antigen and PCR alleviates the people's burden," Maharani noted through her statement on Thursday.

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"However, all of us certainly expect not to let things that alleviate at the start to then end up being a burden," she cautioned.

During the pandemic, a surge in the number of cases often occurred when relaxations were applied, she highlighted.

Hence, during the transition to the normal way of living, health protocols should remain the main condition that should be conducted and followed through stringent monitoring on the field, according to the minister.

We cannot allow a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases to occur due to relaxations without good monitoring, she stated.

"The surge in the number of cases should always be watched out for in order to not have long-term impacts. All relaxation policies should be implemented cautiously and health factors be prioritized for transition to an endemic stage," she remarked.

The speaker made this request, so that the roadmap created by the government for the transition to the COVID-19 endemic takes into account various aspects.


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According to Maharani, health and economic indicators are not sufficient while formulating a policy and other considerations, such as social and cultural aspects, should also be taken into account.

"The balance between the people's health problems and economic interests should consider the needs of the people themselves. Involve various stakeholders in the creation of regulations," she stressed.

Moreover, the role of transportation service providers should be taken into consideration, according to the minister. Transportation management services should be improved, specifically with regard to COVID-19 handling.

"This includes preparing supporting facilities if there are passengers indicated to have contracted COVID-19 as well as ensuring everyone using public transportation has a 'green' status in the PeduliLindungi application," Maharani remarked.

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The speaker also emphasized the importance of expediting COVID-19 vaccination.

This is because policies will not be effective if they are not followed with optimal vaccination coverage in all regions in Indonesia.

Maharani pointed out that there were people, who encountered difficulties in visiting health facilities.

Hence, the government should further expand door-to-door vaccination services, especially for the elderly, on account of the low vaccination coverage.


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Translator: Imam B, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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