VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has warned against a rushed transition from the pandemic to the endemic stage, saying the country needs to be prudent in planning such a transition.

With the government continuing to learn from foreign countries that have commenced their transition to the endemic stage, Indonesia will eventually enter the endemic stage with due care and consideration given to scientific data, the minister remarked.

Residents must not compare the transition to the COVID-19 endemic stage in foreign countries with the situation in Indonesia, he said in a press statement on activities restriction enforcement, broadcast from Jakarta on Monday.

"Though some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Singapore, have revoked most of their COVID-19 restrictions and commenced the transition to the endemic stage, we need not jump on the bandwagon," Pandjaitan said.

Indonesia will enter the endemic stage with prudence gradually, with due consideration given to health indicator data, economic status, and other factors, he said.

"Last night, we have discussed this issue with health experts and epidemiologists to agree on this conclusion, and we will continue evaluating our readiness to enter the endemic stage," the coordinating minister said.

Pandjaitan informed that the government will monitor the preconditions for the endemic, which include a high level of immunity in citizens, low COVID-19 case count as per WHO indicators, and sufficient healthcare and health response facilities.

"Those preconditions must have continued for a relatively long period and reached a stable condition," he said.

The coordinating minister affirmed that proposals, criteria, and indicators for the transition to the endemic stage would be enhanced with inputs from experts.

To advance the transition to the endemic stage, the government will first exert efforts toward enhancing the second vaccine coverage and booster vaccine distribution, particularly among the elderly group, he said.

Regional governments and relevant officials have also been urged to bolster booster vaccinations for eligible residents, he added.

"I also ask residents who have received their third vaccine ticket or have completed their second vaccine dose within six months to attend any vaccination drive and get the booster vaccine," Pandjaitan appealed.  (Antaranews)