VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Panjaitan highlighted that the bubble health protocol implementation in Indonesia during the sherpa and finance tracks of the G20 Presidency drew applause from several countries.

"I received a report that our bubble health protocols in G20 were very well-liked by various countries," Pandjaitan stated during an online press conference on Monday.

The bubble protocol is a limitation on the mobility and interaction of participants and event organizers to not leave the event location in an effort to minimize contact with outside parties.

The bubble protocol is currently often used during face-to-face events in various parts of the world to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Pandjaitan noted that ministries and agencies, including Bank Indonesia, as the committee on the G20 sherpa track and finance track, brought several Macro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the bubble area.

Several delegates from G20 countries shopped for Indonesian MSMEs products, such as coffee, batik cloth, and other unique products from regions in Indonesia.

"It is a good promotion for MSME, and it also proves that they value our bubble, and they appreciate it," Pandjaitan stated.

Managing Director of the World Bank Mari Pangestu also praised the committee's readiness in implementing strict health protocols during the event.

"I checked with Mari Pangestu, and she really lauds Indonesia's steps in G20 as well as the revival of our MSME," Pandjaitan noted.

As was earlier known, Indonesia, as the holder of the G20 Presidency, has started two tracks of discussion on G20 issues: the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track on December 6. Various online and face-to-face meetings are being held by implementing strict health protocols.

The G20 is a global forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union (EU) that covers 60 percent of the world's population, accounts for 80 percent of the world's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 75 percent of world exports.

Indonesia holds the G20 Presidency from December 1, 2021, to November 30, 2022, taking up the leadership from Italy. (antaranews)