However, when they were outdoors, such as when President Jokowi welcomed President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Bogor Presidential Palace Courtyard, both of them took off their masks due to the low transmission rate of COVID-19 in Indonesia.
"We remain consistent (with implementing health protocols). Outside, we can open the mask. However, once you enter the room, you are expected or advised to still wear a mask," Sadikin noted at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Thursday.
President Jokowi welcomed President Steinmeier with a state ceremony at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Thursday. On arrival, President Steinmeier was greeted by the Nusantara Troops, Equestrian Troops, and the Music Corps of the Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres).
The welcome procession was then followed by an official welcoming ceremony by performing the national anthems of the two countries and the 21-gun salute. The two leaders thereafter conducted an inspection of the guard of honor.
The two leaders then introduced the delegations of each country that were also present at the ceremony.
During every welcoming procession and until the discussion on the veranda of the Bogor Presidential Palace, the two heads of state were not seen wearing masks.
"Indonesia is in good situation now. We are not a very aggressive country to remove (masks). Stay alert and careful. The president's message must be implemented. Outside, we can remove masks, but inside, we still wear masks," the minister of health stated.
Currently, President Jokowi is holding a face-to-face meeting with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Related news: Masks still mandatory in trains and at train stations: KAI
Related news: Do not become complacent after mask-wearing regulation relaxation: KSP
Translator: Indra A, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
