VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan attributed a recent sharp increase in coronavirus infections in the capital to the Eid al-Fitr holidays that had led to a new wave of COVID-19 cases.

"A new spike (in COVID-19 cases) has been felt recently, but it occurred not only in Jakarta but also in the rest of Indonesia," the governor noted here on Sunday night.

Baswedan highlighted the importance of the public, government, and law enforcement officers upholding discipline in following health protocols.

"The public cannot work alone and neither can law enforcement agencies nor the government. All elements must work together," he emphasized.

The governor stressed that all sides involved in business, social, cultural, and religious activities are responsible for their activities.

"The ways to take responsibility include following health protocols, complying with operating hours, and restricting the number of visitors. We must work together. We cannot work alone," he stated.

To this end, the Jakarta administration and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) held a roll call on Sunday night to remind all relevant parties of their obligation to stem the spread of COVID-19, he remarked.

"We are all held responsible. Our officers will remind (the public), uphold the rules, and take stern measures (against violators). We will not compromise the measures against violators having an irresponsible outlook during the pandemic," he stated.

According to the governor, Jakarta should focus greater attention on the number of COVID-19 cases that had jumped sharply in the past week.

The number of COVID-19 cases climbed by 50 percent to reach 17,400 on Friday (June 11) as compared to 11,500 on June 6, 2021.

The COVID-19 positivity rate also increased to 17 percent on Sunday, from nine percent a week earlier.

"The number of new cases increased in each of the past four days by 2,000, 2,300, 2,400, and 2,700 today," he remarked.

The number of specimens tested at laboratories also rose by eight folds as compared to the WHO standard of four folds. (Antaranews)