Still, we need to stay alert regarding the potential occurrences of hydrometeorological natural disasters.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has appealed to the public to remain vigilant against COVID-19 by following the health protocols during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
"Stay alert; keep implementing (strict) health protocols, as it is estimated that (people’s) mobility during Christmas and New Year (holidays) will reach around 45 million people,” he noted after chairing a plenary meeting of the National Committee for Sharia Economy and Finance (KNEKS) here on Tuesday.
The government has readied a number of anticipatory measures, he added.
"Everything has been anticipated -- transportation and all has been prepared by the government. Still, the community must remain careful, (and) vigilant, as well as maintain (their) health (condition)," he said.
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Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, said that based on the analyses and studies conducted the Health Ministry and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the trend of the increase in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia has currently begun sloping.
Moreover, the Home Affairs Ministry has imposed Level 1 community activity restrictions (PPKM) in all regions.
Hence, the community can be more assured in welcoming the year-end holidays, while the government can be more confident in granting permission for public activities during Christmas and New Year, the coordinating minister explained.
"Worship activities can also be more solemn, as there are no (major activity) restrictions, while Christmas and New Year activities can be (conducted) more conveniently," he said.
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Using the momentum, the government will also strive to encourage economic activities, including opening more tourism destinations throughout Indonesia and relaxing the travel requirements, Effendy added.
"Still, we need to stay alert regarding the potential occurrences of hydrometeorological natural disasters," he added.
President Joko Widodo had chaired a cabinet meeting on Monday (December 19, 2022) to discuss the preparations for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Earlier, the Transportation Minister had said that the government will not limit people's mobility during the holidays.
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Translator: Rangga Jingga, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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